CTTT 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Section  /Lti>KC^J 


POEMS 


BY 


HELEN  ELIZABETH  COOLIDGE 


BOSTON 
RICHARD  G.  BADGER 

igo7 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Helen  Elizabeth   Coolidge 
All  Rights  Reserved 


Many  of  the  poems  in  this  volume  appeared  in 
"  The  Christian  Intelligencer,"  "The  Southern 
Churchman,"  "  The  Living  Church,"  and  "  The 
New  York  Observer,"  and  are  used  by  kind  per- 
mission of  the  editors  of  these  publications. 


The  Gorham  Press ,  Boston 


£o  a  i rienb 
in  $arabt£e 

To  whose  faith  in  me  I  owe  both  strength  and 

inspiration,  this  little  volume  is 

affectionately  dedicated 


MY  PEN 

For  good  or  ill  its  work  is  wrought, 

Against,  or  else  for  thee; 
The  little  seed  it  daily  sows 

A  harvest  rich  may  be. 

I  pray  thee,  Lord,  my  heart  so  fill 

With  loyal  love  to  thee, 
My  mind  on  things  of  u good  report" 

Intent  may  ever  be. 

Thy  love,  thy  glory  be  my  theme, 

Then  shall  the  garner  be 
Overflowing,  with  sweet  thoughts  of  One 

I  would  have  others  see. 


I  would  do  nought  but  sow,  dear  Lord, 

The  reaper  thou  must  be; 
I  pray  that  love  my  pen  may  guide, 

The  rest  I  leave  to  Thee. 


CONTENTS 


Heart-Throbs 

The  Peace  of  Evening 

The  Downward  Slope 

The  Shepherd  Good 

Sympatica 

Rainbows 

After  While      . 

Good-Night      . 

"Thy  Left  Hand"    . 

Trust       . 

Worth  While    . 

Arbutus,  or  "Judge  Not" 

The  Sunset  Gun 

A  Garland  Given 

Golden  Stairs   . 

Gifts  I  May  Give 

The  Lines  Between  . 

From  Beyond  the  Shadows 

Blessed  Thoughts 

Perplexing  Paths 

The  Lord's  Prayer    . 

Who  are  These 

"Mary" 

Two  Tiny  Shoes 

Be  Not  Weary 

Reproof  . 

Sing  Unto  the  Lord 

The  Silent  Tears 

"The  Christmas  Angel" 

A  Mother  s  Love 


InM, 


\emoriam 


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24 

25 
26 

26 

27 

28 

28 

29 
29 
30 
31 


Contents 


Each  Other 
All  Saints 
Lost  and  Found 
Eventide 
He  Knows 
The  Gifts  I  Seek       . 
My  Shepherd 
Forgive  . 
To-day 

The  Crumpled  Leaf. 
Loyal  —  Loving 
The  Father  s  Hand 
Christmas 

The  Sacrament  of  Silence 
Emmaus 

"I  Have  Overcome" 
*  Let  us  Pray" 
The  Home  in  Bethany 
Me  or  Thee      . 
Memories 
Whatsoever 
"In  the  Way  of  Righteousness  is 
The  Face  Upturned 
Go  Blithely       . 
Our  Milestones 

if       .     .     . 

The  Heart  of  Consecration 

Good  Friday    . 

A  Prayer 

De  Pro  fund  is 

Temptation 

"For  Them  Also" 

"Unto  Me"     . 

An  Easter  Prayer 


Life9 


Contents 


"Rabboni"       . 

54 

it  D              >> 

reace 

55 

Another  Easter 

.        56 

Sweet  Counsel 

57 

A  Living  Christ 

57 

Keeping  Step  . 

•        58 

Old-Fashioned  Religion 

59 

Impatience 

60 

A  Little  Bird  . 

61 

And  Yet           ... 

61 

Evening           .            . 

62 

Non  Nobis  Solis 

•        63 

"Rejoice  Evermore  " 

•        64 

"Come  Ye  Apart 

65 

Self-Surrender 

66 

The  Daily  Round 

66 

Past,  Present,  Future 

67 

I 

68 

Missionary  Hymn 

68 

Sorrow-Taught 

69 

Transit  Umbra,  Lux  Parmanet 

70 

0  Lord  of  Easter 

71 

The  Uplands  .           .          .          . 

72 

Resurrection     .          .          .          , 

73 

I  Never  Knew 

73 

Rainbow  Tints 

74 

The  Everlasting  Arms 

75 

My  Mother  Dear      . 

75 

The  Cross  Before 

76 

A  Thanksgiving 

77 

The  Burden  of  a  Sigh 

77 

Ephphatha       . 

78 

Service    . 

78 

Forward  Go     .          .           .          . 

79 

Contents 


Prayer  —  Praise 

Burden  Bearing 

The  Soul's  Stature 

Enfolded 

Pray 

At  Close  of  Day 

The  Soft  Answer 

When      . 

The  Helping  Hand 

The  Music  of  Christmas 

God's  Garner   . 

Taps       . 

Reveille  . 

A  Bit  of  Blue 

Storm  and  Stress 

A  Morning  Prayer 

Little  Deeds      . 

Fidus  ad  Extremum 

A  Sweet  Song 

The  Hills         . 

Mosaic    . 

Cross  Roads     . 

Pray 

Even  Christ  Pleased  not  Himself 

Just  Where  I  am 

His  Tender  Care 

The  Angel  of  His  P 

Self -Denials 

One  Gift 

How  Shall  I  Pray 

Snowflakes 

In  Thy  Strength 


resence 


POEMS 


HEART-THROBS 

Of  all  earthly  music  that   which   reaches  farthest 
into    heaven    is    the   beating   of  a   loving    heart. 

—  Beecher. 

Long  time  ago,  my  restless  will 

Knew  not  the  calm  of  inward  peace; 
No  thought  of  thee  did  love  instill, 
No  word  of  thine  had  power  to  thrill, 
Nor  would  the  tumult  cease. 


Long  time  ago,  upon  life's  sea 
My  soul  was  tempest-tossed; 
The  heaven  where  I  fain  would  be 
Too  distant  seemed  to  harbor  me, 
I,  rudderless,  was  lost. 


But  now,  my  heart-throbs  sink  and  swell 
In  sweetest  chime,  as  joy-bells  ring; 
Of  thy  dear  love  my  life  would  tell, 
I,  where  thou  art,  delight  to  dwell, 
My  Saviour  and  my  King. 


Of  earthly  music  none  so  sweet 

As  that  the  loving  heart  may  voice 
The  cadence  reverent  lips  repeat, 
The  rhythm  learned  at  Jesus'  feet, 
Thus  —  may  the  soul  rejoice. 


13 


THE  PEACE  OF  EVENING 

As  slowly,  one  by  one, 

The  stars  appear, 
My  burdened  heart  I  lift, 

And  feel  to  God  anear. 

The  daily  toil  is  o'er, 
And  though  oppressed, 

The  peace  of  evening  brings 
To  my  worn  spirit  rest. 

While  now  the  tear-dimmed  eye 

Beholds  His  face, 
The  wordless  prayer  ascends 

For  added  gifts  of  grace; 

That,  silent  watches  past, 

For  Him  I  may 
Be  strong  in  service  true, 

Throughout  the  newborn  day. 


THE  DOWNWARD  SLOPE 

The  day  is  spent,  the  night  draws  nigh, 
In  twilight  hush  who  passes  by  ? 
Though  steps  be  feeble,  eyes  grown  dim, 
The  downward  slope  leads  up  to  Him. 

The  night  is  nigh  and  spent  the  day, 
Yet,  heavenly  light  illumes  the  way; 
My  Guide  unerring  down  the  vale 
Still  upward  leads,  —  I  shall  not  fail. 


14 


And  upward  shall  be  borne  my  soul, 
Though  downward,  erstwhile,  seemed  the  goal, 
When  conquered  is  the  last  of  foes, 
And  in  sweet  sleep  mine  eyelids  close. 

THE  SHEPHERD  GOOD 

{Suggested  by  a  sermon) 

A  Shepherd  good  like  unto  thee 
In  gentle,  watchful  ministry, 
This  I  may  be  if  I  abide, 

0  Saviour,  ever  at  thy  side. 

The  wide,  wide  world  may  be  the  fold; 
The  sheep  ?  no  name  should  I  withhold; 
They  number  all  who  need  my  care, 
The  torn,  the  bruised  are  everywhere. 

The  "waters  still,"  the  "pastures  green," 
May  be  my  strength  on  which  they  lean; 
My  voice !     Oh,  may  each  wanderer  heed ; 
My  table  those  ahungered  feed. 

Oh,  make  my  love  so  full,  complete, 

That  for  thy  service  I  am  meet; 

A  shepherd's  sacrifice  be  mine, 

Till,  —  this  life  lost,  —  I  find  —  divine. 

SYMPATICA 

There  is  no  word  in  our  cold  tongue 
That  seems  to  voice  this  gift  so  rare; 

1  borrow  that  I  may  express 

A  charm  that  oft  can  lighten  care. 


»5 


So  much  it  holds  in  its  embrace, 

Of  kindly  word  and  deed  and  thought; 

It  is  not  tenderness  alone, 

But  gentleness  with  tact  inwrought. 

It  is  to  love  as  though  thine  eye 
Another's  inner  life  could  see; 

To  strengthen,  though  no  word  may  ask 
The  faltering  one  to  lean  on  thee. 

It  is  to  feel  because  one  knows 

The  need  that,  constant,  presses  sore; 

To  lose  in  other  lives  one's  own, 

The  precious  spikenard  thus  to  pour. 

And  none  this  gift  so  great  may  own 
Save  he  who  sits  at  Jesus'  feet; 

For,  loving  Him  with  all  one's  heart, 
Each  life  another's  life  may  meet. 


RAINBOWS 

"The  heart  could  have  no  rainbows  had  the  eyes 
no  tears  " 

Through  vista  of  my  early  days, 
On  cloudless  sky  can  Memory  gaze, 
When  ne'er  a  thought  of  things  to  be 
Disturbed  my  glad  serenity. 


16 


Then  storm  clouds  rose,  —  they  darker  grew; 
In  vain  searched  I  for  rifts  of  blue, 
Yet,  close  did  clasp  the  Guiding  Hand, 
Through  paths  too  rough  to  understand. 

And  now,  on  my  fast-falling  tears, 
The  glorious  light  of  heaven  appears; 
And  thus  my  sky,  at  God's  command, 
Is  by  His  bow  of  promise  spanned. 

O  Soul!  wouldst  thou  wish  now  to  gaze 
With  eye  undimmed  on  sunny  days  ? 
Nay,  storm  clouds  do  but  hide  the  blue, 
And  tears  reflect  the  rainbow's  hue. 


AFTER  WHILE 

We  never  shall,  in  years  to  come, 

Let  fall  the  bitter  tear, 
If  only  now  our  luring  friends, 

We  tenderly  revere; 
Those  who,  for  many  years  or  few, 

Have  been  to  us  most  dear. 


We  never  shall,  in  future  years, 
These  passing  ones  regret, 

If  only  now,  to  give  them  joy, 
We  can  our  own  forget. 

Till  love  and  patience  shall  for  them 
In  sacrifice  have  met. 


l7 


Thus,  after  while,  the  vacant  chairs 

Glad  memories  shall  fill, 
And  no  reproachful  thought  shall  come 

Our  lonely  hearts  to  chill, 
Because  of  sweet  forbearance  shown, 

When  they  were  with  us  still. 


GOOD  NIGHT 

We  say  it  lisping,  —  warmed  by  Mother's  smile, 
Our  eyelids  close  for  just  a  little  while; 
To  lovely  dreamland  it  the  door  unbars, 
Where  safe  we  rest,  —  our  sentinels  the  stars. 

We  say  it  softly,  —  scarce  do  lips  repeat 
The  tender  word  so  fraught  with  meaning  sweet; 
'Neath  silver  lamps,  whilst  faint  the  zephyrs  blow, 
We  taste  the  bliss  Love  only  can  bestow. 

We  say  it  sobbing,  —  hope  is  lost  in  fear, 
The  night  has  come,  —  all  unrestrained  the  tear; 
With  handclasp  close  that  more  than  words  can  say, 
We  wait  —  together  —  part,  ere  dawn  of  day. 


"THY  LEFT  HAND" 

Think  a  thought  for  others, 
Wise  or  true  or  kind; 

Then,  forget  such  thinking 
Ever  filled  thy  mind. 


Say  a  word  in  season; 

Kind  or  wise  or  true; 
Then,  thy  voice  forgetting, 

Echo  it  anew. 

Do  a  deed  for  others, 

Self-denying  be, 
But  —  thy  left  hand  never 

Must  the  right  one  see. 


TRUST 

The  morning  breaks 

And  gloom  forsakes 

The  soul  that  trusts  in  Thee; 

For  where  Thou  art  there  shall  be  light, 

In  cloud  by  day,  in  flame  by  night, 

And  strength  Thou  givest  me. 

The  upward  gaze, 
Through  darkened  days, 
Can  silver  lining  see; 
Through  parted  clouds,  in  rifts  of  blue, 
Thy  love  and  mercy  shineth  through, 
If  I  but  lean  on  Thee. 

In  death's  dark  hour, 

Thy  mighty  power 

Can  light  the  shadowy  vale; 

With  glimpse  of  streets  of  shining  gold, 

Of  glories  tongue  has  never  told, 

Why  should  my  spirit  quail! 


*9 


WORTH  WHILE 

"Is  it  worth  while  ?  "  we  wearied  say, 
At  close  of  long  and  struggling  day; 
These  duties  that  upon  us  press 
All  seem  to  end  in  nothingness. 

Is  it  worth  while,  for  others'  sake, 
This  constant  sacrifice  to  make  ? 
They  do  not  seem  to  love  us  more, 
The  world  is  selfish  as  before. 

Is  it  worth  while  ?      Were  this  world  all, 
No  wonder  should  its  griefs  appall; 
Yet,  oh !  to  win  our  Father's  smile, 
Our  every  effort  is  —  worth  while. 


ARBUTUS 

The  dull  brown  leaves  I  swept  aside, 
Where  erstwhile  hidden  lay 

The  sweetest  blossoms  of  the  Spring, 
A  foretaste,  they,  of  May. 

How  oft  we  cast  the  careless  glance, 
And  crush  beneath  our  feet 

The  beauty  gentleness  might  find 
In  lives  both  fair  and  sweet. 


20 


m" 


This  is  my  little  sermon!     List! 

The  text  I  whisper  low: 
"Judge  not,"  for  'neath  dull-tinted  leaves 

May  purest  blossoms  blow; 

The  hidden  loveliness  of  those 
Who  somber  garb  must  wear, 

To  tender  touch  will  e'er  unfold, 
And  fragrance  fill  the  air. 


THE  SUNSET  GUN 

Life  is  not  victory,  but  battle.  Be  patient  a  little 
longer.  By  and  by,  in  our  hushed  and  waiting 
chambers,  each  in  his  turn,  we  shall  hear  the  sunset 
gun.  —  Dr.  Roswell  D.  Hitchcock 

The  sunset  gun!     Ere  it  shall  sound 
What  lies  before  we  may  not  know, 
Yet  cannot  step  beyond  the  bound 
The  Father's  love  shall  daily  show; 
For  us  far  distant  gleams  the  goal, 
The  prize  is  not  till  race  is  run; 
Who  patient  waits  shall  hear,  at  length, 
The  sunset  gun. 

The  sunset  gun!     Yea,  wait  awhile 
Till  comes  to  thee  its  wakening  thrill; 
Through  darkened  days  still  bravely  smile, 
And  make  thine  own  the  Father's  will; 
Each  hour  the  end  will  nearer  be, 
The  by-and-by  of  duty  done, 
For  thee,  for  me,  a  paean  then, 
The  sunset  gun. 


21 


A  GARLAND  GIVEN 

If  thou  hast  a  pleasant  thought 

Of  a  friend  to-day, 
Art  inclined  his  deeds  to  praise, 

Such  a  wish  obey. 

If  some  hungry  soul  would  feed 

On  thy  love  to-day 
Oh,  I  plead,  withhold  it  not, 

Cheer  him  on  his  way. 

Wait  not  till  on  marble  brow 
There  shall  fall  thy  tear; 

To  him  strength  and  courage  give 
While  he  struggles  here. 

Thus  a  garland,  fadeless,  fair, 
Thou  mayst  ever  weave, 

And  for  kindnesses  undone, 
Needst  thou  never  grieve. 


"GOLDEN  STAIRS" 

One  by  one  I  mount  them, 

Jesus  went  before; 
At  the  top  His  "  mansions," 

Rest  forevermore. 

One  by  one,  though  footsore, 
Golden  'neath  my  feet 

Is  the  way  that  shows  me 
Bitter  can  be  sweet. 


22 


One  by  one,  not  halting, 
Pressing  upward  still, 

Of  pure  gold  I  find  them, 
When  my  own,  His  will. 

One  by  one,  each  morrow, 
Some  are  left  below; 

One  by  one  I  mount  them, 
Upward,  upward  go. 

For,  by  faith,  I  follow 
Up  the  golden  stair 

One  who  every  trial 

Does,  by  loving,  share. 


GIFTS   I   MAY   GIVE 

A  ready,  gentle,  helpful  hand; 

A  patient  ear  to  understand; 

A  heart  to  sympathize  with  each; 

A  life  that  shall,  unconscious,  teach; 

God  grant  that  I  may  richer  be 

In  sharing  gifts  He  gives  to  me. 


THE  LINES  BETWEEN 

We're  prone  to  be  too  hasty,  with  careless  glance 

we  scan 
The  page  of  life  as  written  by  every  brother  man; 
We  note  the  faults  of  accent,  that  rhythm  rings  not 

true, 


23 


So  vexed  words  are  many,  and  kindly  ones  are  few; 
Alas!  the  sight  is  clouded,  the  beauties  all  unseen, 
'Tis  we  who  fail  in  reading  what  surely  lies  be- 
tween. 

We  always  see  the  failure,  the  struggle  hidden  lies, 
Too  deep  for  recognition  by  our  dimmed,  human 

eyes; 
We  look  but  for  the  honey,  and  failing  that  to  find, 
Too  oft  some  fragile  flower  is  bruised  by  the  wind; 
We  wing  the  poisoned  arrow,  or  judge  with  haughty 

mien, 
So  failing,  in  our  blindness,  to  read  the  lines  be- 
tween. 

Not   so   the   Heavenly   Father,   who   knows    our 

smallest  need; 
Each  tear-blurred  page,  when  written,  His  eye  in 

love  doth  read, 
And  when  our  timid  voices  we  lift  in  praise  or 

prayer, 
He  heedeth  not  the  discord,  if  only  love  be  there; 
Oh!  grant  us  grace,  dear  Father,  to  see  the  things 

unseen, 
To  help  our  struggling  comrades   to   read   their 

lines  between. 

FROM  BEYOND  THE  SHADOWS 

(In  Memoriam) 

Listen!  faith  will  tell  thee 

I  am  living  still; 
Thoughts  of  me  most  tender 

All  thy  life  may  fill. 


24 


Listen!     Memory  speaketh; 

Sweet  and  clear  the  tone; 
With  her  vivid  pictures 

Art  thou  quite  alone  ? 

Listen!  faint  its  echo, 
Yet,  'twill  not  be  long 

Ere  our  voices  mingle 
In  the  triumph-song. 


BLESSED  THOUGHTS 

There  is  a  blessed  thought 

For  those  who  journey  here; 
For  all  the  sorrow-taught 

'Tis  full  of  hope  and  cheer; 
My  presence  goes  with  thee, 

To  thee  I  give  my  Rest; 
Oh,  come,  oh,  come  to  me, 

Ye  weary  and  oppressed. 

There  is  another  thought, 

'Twill  ever  comfort  give; 
With  tender  meaning  fraught 

And  power  anew  to  live; 
That  He  who  asks  our  love 

Vouchsafes  us  daily  Strength, 
Unfailing  aid  will  prove 

Throughout  our  journey's  length 


25 


And,  yet  again,  a  thought; 

Though  dim  should  be  the  way, 
Of  cloud  a  pillar  wrought 

Will  lead  us,  day  by  day; 
Though  dark  should  be  the  night, 

A  fiery  pillar's  glow 
May  be  a  beacon-light, 

As  forward  we  shall  go. 

Once  more  a  blessed  thought 

Will  us  from  fear  release; 
He  who  our  ransom  bought 

Bestows  the  gift  of  Peace: 
"My  peace  to  you  I  leave; 

Not  as  the  world  I  give; 
I  bid  you  not  to  grieve, 

With  me,  you  all  shall  live." 

And  then,  a  crowning  thought, 

Of  Life  both  rich  and  free; 
If  at  the  Fountain  sought, 

'Tis  ours  eternally; 
With  rest,  strength,  peace,  and  light, 

From  Christ  our  all-in-all, 
Oh,  may  we  valiant  fight, 

And  ever  heed  His  call. 


PERPLEXING  PATHS 

Too  prone  am  I  the  distant  scene, 
With  all-perplexing  paths  between, 
To  view  with  trembling  and  with  fear, 
Forgetting  thou  art  ever  near; 


26 


Tis  hard  to  take  what  thou  dost  mete 
Of  hourly  joy  or  sorrow, 
To  learn,  each  day  must  be  complete 
Before  there  dawns  a  morrow. 


Yet,  though  thy  child  is  ever  frail 
Thou  wilt  not  suffer  me  to  fail; 
If,  through  long  years  my  journey  lie, 
To  thee  for  daily  strength  I'll  cry, 
So  shall  I  learn  to  grasp  the  hand 
In  tender  love  outstretched  to  me, 
And  what  I  may  not  understand  , 
In  perfect  trust  to  leave  with  thee. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER 

Oh,  teach  me  from  my  heart  to  say, 

At  dawn,  at  close  of  each  new  day, 

Those  words  with  wealth  of  meaning  fraught, 

That  thou  to  thy  disciples  taught; 

Thy  prayer  make  mine, 

Saviour  divine. 


Yet,  if  these  lips  those  words  should  say 
While  thoughts  have  wandered  far  away, 
Forgive,  O  Christ,  the  flesh  is  weak 
E'en  while  thy  glory  I  would  seek, 

And  take  as  thine 

This  prayer  of  mine. 


V 


WHO  ARE  THESE 

Who  are  these  in  glistening  raiment 

We,  by  faith,  do  now  behold  ? 
Who  have  passed  through  tribulation 

To  the  shelter  of  the  fold  ? 
Whose  these  robes  of  dazzling  whiteness 

In  the  city  paved  with  gold  ? 
In  God's  mighty  army,  one  time, 

Were  their  precious  names  enrolled. 

Who  are  these  dear  souls  found  worthy 

To  be  clad  in  robes  of  white  ? 
Lonely  hearts  give  best  the  answer 

From  the  thickest  of  the  fight; 
Compassed  by  these  dearly  loved  ones, 

Let  us  keep  our  armor  bright, 
That,  when  ended  is  the  warfare, 

We,  with  them,  may  "walk  in  white." 


"MARY!" 

0  Jesu,  when  with  anguished  heart, 

1  see  my  best  loved  hopes  depart; 
When  doubts  the  light  of  heaven  obscure 
And,  blinded,  I  can  scarce  endure, 

Then,  speak  my  name,  —  the  scales  shall  fall, 
"Rabboni!  "  faith  restored  shall  call. 


28 


TWO  TINY  SHOES 

Oh,  tiny,  faded,  well-worn  shoes  that  I  bedew  with 
tears, 

How  tender  are  the  memories  sweet  that  cover  by- 
gone years! 

To  little  feet  I  hearken  still,  their  patter  on  the  floor 

Is  music  to  a  mother's  ear,  e'en  though  her  heart 
be  sore. 

Those  tiny,  faded  treasures  now,  I  warm  with  kisses 

sweet, 
They  once,  in  those  old  happy  days,  were  soft  to 

baby's  feet; 
I  see  my  darling's  hands  outstretched,  —  the  goal 

is  mother's  arms, 
The  arms  that  were  thy  refuge,  sweet,  from  all  thy 

vain  alarms. 

For  love  is  fadeless,  baby  sweet,  and  eyes  bedewed 

with  tears 
Can  see  through  all  the  vista  long,  of  clouded,  lonely 

years; 
Can  see  to  where  thy  cradle  stands,  and  murmur 

soft  and  low, 
The  lullabies  that  soothed  thy  rest,  as  it  rocked  to 

and  fro: 
These  tiny,  well-worn  shoes,  my  sweet,  a  message 

hold  for  me, 
"Oh,  have  thy  baby's  perfect  trust,  —  thou  com- 
forted shalt  be; 
Thy  goal  is  Love,  —  a  love  that  waits  thy  joy  to 

make  complete, 
Oh,    keep    outstretched    thy    hands,  —  believe,  — 

then,  run  with  eager  feet." 


29 


"BE  NOT  WEARY" 

Why  weariest  thou  ? 
For  not  far  spent  the  day  as  yet! 
Why  linger  then  with  vain  regret, 
With  furrowed  brow  and  lashes  wet  ? 

Ah!  hearken  now. 

In  due  time  thou 
A  harvest  rich  shalt  surely  reap; 
And  though  the  path  be  rough  and  steep 
His  angels  charge  o'er  thee  shall  keep; 
Take  courage  now. 

Faint  still  art  thou  ? 
Nay,  Faith  the  shadows  shall  dispell; 
With  Christ  for  guide  all  will  be  well, 
And  peace  the  calm  of  heaven  foretell, 

Yea,  even  now. 


REPROOF 

Art  thou  Christ's  disciple  ? 

Patient  be; 
'Tis  perchance  what's  needed 

Most  by  thee; 
Though  thy  heart  it  grieveth  sore 
Strive  more  earnest  than  before. 

Through  the  tones  that  chide  thee 

Hear  His  voice; 
'Twixt  the  good  and  evil 

Make  thy  choice; 
Though  thy  self-love  wounded  be 

Win  by  meekness  victory. 


30 


"SING  UNTO  THE  LORD" 

Had  we  in  Christ  but  learned  to  dwell 

Our  lives  were  each  a  song; 
To  hearts  at  peace  the  world's  dismay 

Can  ne'er  again  belong. 

Did  we  but  serve  with  single  heart 

Each  life  a  psalm  might  be; 
We,  bending  low,  the  message  hear: 

"My  grace  I  promise  thee." 

Did  we  but  trust  a  Father's  love 

And  clasp  His  guiding  hand, 
The  burthen  of  our  songs  would  be 

A  joy  in  each  command. 

Oh!  sing  unto  the  Lord,  my  soul! 

Both  now  and  yet  again; 
Till  heart  and  mind  and  voice  shall  sound 

In  full  accord  —  "  Amen!  " 


THE  SILENT  YEARS 

There  is  a  silence  that  enfolds 
Those  years  in  Nazareth  spent; 

When,  with  His  humble,  daily  toil 
Our  dear  Lord  lived  content. 

And  yet  —  in  all  those  silent  years 

Obedience  was  learned; 
And  He  "was  subject  unto  them  " 

Proves  no  wise  counsel  spurned. 


31 


There  is  a  silence  that  enfolds 
The  Father's  plan  for  thee; 

Yet  if  a  Nazareth  He  choose 
Submissive  thou  shouldest  be. 

And  should  across  some  future  years;* 

A  cross  in  shadow  fall, 
The  braver  wilt  thou  bear  its  weight, 

Or  heed  a  clarion  call. 

For  silent  years  have  made  of  thee 

A  soldier  brave  and  bold; 
Oh,  welcome,  then,  the  silent  years, 

And  lessons  they  may  hold. 


THE  "  CHRISTMAS  ANGEL  " 

O  blessed  Christmas  angel,  now 

I'd  hearken  unto  thee, 
'Neath  starlight  clear  forget  how  drear 

Erstwhile  the  world  to  me; 
Oh,  may  thy  music  joyous 

An  echo  in  me  find; 
And  sorrow  cease  in  perfect  peace 

God's  gift  to  all  mankind. 

O  blessed  Christmas  angel,  still 

I'm  listening  to  thee, 
Thy  song  of  old  anew  has  told 

My  Lord's  nativity; 
Adown  the  ages  echo 

The  strains  the  shepherds  heard, 
"  Peace  and  good  will"  my  spirit  fill, 

As  falls  the  heavenly  word. 


32 


O'er  fair  Judea's  shining  plain 

Still  floats  that  glorious  song, 
For  faith  can  hear  its  words  of  cheer 

And  see  an  angel  throng; 
The  wondrous,  heavenly  music 

Glad  echoes  voice  again; 
"Glory  to  God,"  "Glory  to  God," 

"Amen,"  —  "Amen,"  —  "Amen." 


A  MOTHER'S  LOVE 

What  time  the  tiny  helpless  frame 

Lies  cradled  in  her  fond  embrace, 
When  all  seems  tame  beside  its  claim, 

And  beauty  means  one  dimpled  face; 
Oh,  then  it  is,  her  tender  love 

Goes  out  that  other  love  to  meet;  — 
Than  mother  love,  save  that  above, 

Where  canst  thou  find  a  love  more  sweet  ? 

Or  else,  when  toddling  footsteps  slow, 

With  two  strong  arms  the  longed-for  goal, 
Both  to  and  fro  uncertain  go, 

While  watched  with  all  her  anxious  soul; 
Oh!  then  one  sees  protecting  love 

Go  out  that  little  love  to  meet;  — 
Save  that  above,  is  not  her  love 

The  love  of  earthly  loves  most  sweet  ? 

Or  when  with  wondering,  opening  eyes 
The  book  of  life  the  child  shall  learn, 

And  he  defies  her  counsel  wise, 

Or  helpful  words,  alas!  doth  spurn; 


33 


We  know  that  still  her  faithful  love 
Shall  long  that  other  love  to  meet;  — 

Than  mother-love,  save  that  above, 
One  cannot  find  a  love  more  sweet! 

When  tears  repentant  wiped  away, 

The  erring  child  begins  anew, 
'Tis  then  her  kiss  restores  his  bliss 

And  leaden  skies  give  place  to  blue; 
Once  more  we  see  untiring  love 

Go  forth  the  other  love  to  meet; 
Save  that  above,  there  is  no  love 

Like  mother-love,  so  steadfast,  sweet. 

At  last,  when  childhood  days  have  flown, 

And  silvered  hairs  frame  furrowed  brow, 
Still,  love  alone  doth  all  condone, 

She  doth  with  virtue  him  endow; 
Ah,  then,  perchance,  as  quenchless  love 

Still  yearns  that  earthly  love  to  meet, 
The  clouds  dispel,  —  in  light  above, 

She  wakes  undying  Love  to  greet. 


EACH  OTHER 

Let  us  help  each  other; 

This  day  must  we  try; 
Wait  not  for  another, 

Time  is  flitting  by. 

Let  us  cheer  each  other, 
Give  the  ready  smile; 

Thinking  of  another 
Shortens  every  mile. 


34 


Let  us  love  each  other  > 
'Tis  a  rule  of  gold; 

When  we  love  another. 
Love  doth  us  enfold 


ALL  SAINTS 


For  all  of  our  beloved 

We  gather  here  to-day, 
Those  saints  on  earth  we  cherished, 

Those  saints  we  love  alway; 
The  veil  is  thin,  beloved, 

That  from  our  sight  doth  hide, 
You,  who  unfurled  the  banner 

Of  Christ  the  Crucified. 

For  all  of  our  beloved 

We  can,  rejoicing,  sing; 
The  paean  of  their  triumph 

Shall  through  these  arches  ring; 
On  finite  ear,  beloved, 

Faint  falls  the  victor's  song, 
Yet,  'tis  to  one  great  army 

That  all  of  us  belong. 

For  you,  our  well  beloved, 

The  rest  His  chosen  know, 
For  us,  the  toil  and  conflict 

As  forward  still  we  go; 
Oh,  thin  the  veil,  beloved, 

'Twill  soon  be  rent  in  twain, 
When  partings  shall  be  over. 

And  "peace  be  won  from  pain." 


35 


The  while  we  struggle  bravely, 

Beloved,  witness  still, 
With  tender  benediction 

Our  fainting  spirits  thrill; 
The  veil  still  hides,  beloved, 

Yet  march  we  side  by  side, 
Above  us  floats  the  banner 

Of  Christ  the  Crucified. 


LOST  AND  FOUND 

LOST 

Some  precious  little  moments 
That  once  were  given  me; 

If  only  I  could  find  them 
I  would  not  idle  be. 

A  jewel  called  "Patience," 
Its  setting  was  most  bright; 

A  gem  much  prized  by  others 
To  whom  it  gave  delight. 

The  chance  to  do  a  kindness, 

A  loving  word  to  say; 
A  few  these  of  the  losses 

That  I  have  met  to-day. 

FOUND 

How  best  to  use  the  minutes 
That  Father  Time  doth  give; 

In  every  well-spent  hour 
To  count  it  joy  to  live. 


36 


A  jewel  that  grows  brighter 
When  kept  in  constant  wear, 

Not  insecure  the  setting 
If  riveted  with  prayer. 

A  golden  chance  they  treasure 
Who  Love's  sweet  law  obey; 

A  few  these  of  the  blessings 
That  I  have  found  to-day. 

EVENTIDE 

The  day  is  now  far  spent  — 

The  evening  shadows  fall 
And  with  thy  will  content 
As  good  or  ill  is  sent 

I  to  thee,  Father,  call. 
The  twinkling  stars  appear 

For  me  each  seems  to  shine; 
I  on  a  midnight  clear 
With  shepherds  in  their  fear 

Behold  thee,  light  divine. 

And  when  life's  day  shall  close 

Lost  in  a  twilight  gray, 
Oh,  heart  that  love  o'erflows 
Be  thou  my  sure  repose 
A  comforter  alway. 

HE  KNOWS 

They  cannot  understand  my  load, 
These  friends  I  hold  so  dear; 

Sometimes  their  very  trying  will, 
Unbidden,  start  the  tear. 


37 


I  cannot  put  it  into  words, 

This  daily  cross  of  mine; 
The  longing  that  the  cup  might  pass 

No  loved  one  can  divine. 

They  cannot  —  yet,  remember,  soul, 
That  One  there  is  who  knows, 

To  Him  lift  up  the  heavy  heart 
Whene'er  thy  cup  o'erflows. 

The  cross  thy  loved  ones  may  not  see 
Thy  Saviour  longs  to  share; 

His  sympathy  its  weight  can  ease, 
Oh,  trust  His  tender  care. 

"  He  knows !  "     Oh !  say  it  o'er  and  o'er; 

When  bravely  borne,  He  knows! 
Then,  lift  a  smiling  face  to  His, 

Although  thy  cup  o'erflows. 


THE   GIFTS    I   SEEK 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  the  daily  grace 
With  quiet  mind  to  serve; 

A  trustful  heart,  a  loyal  love, 
That  I  may  never  swerve. 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  the  inward  peace 
That  follows  sweet  commune, 

Till  outward  worries  cease  to  chafe 
A  life  in  glad  attune. 


38 


And  give  me,  Lord,  a  mind  that  is 
From  all  self-seeking  free; 

So,  all  unconscious,  may  I  draw 
Some  other  souls  to  thee. 


MY  SHEPHERD 

Yea,  He  is  mine!     Oh,  blessed  thought 
And  would  that  I  its  sweetness  knew; 

Of  all  who  love  me,  none  can  feel 
A  love  as  tender  and  as  true. 

Yea,  all  His  sheep  He  loveth  well, 
Yet,  each  may  claim  a  special  care; 

My  Shepherd  intercedes  for  me, 
He  hearkens  to  my  faintest  prayer. 

Yea,  when  I  wander  from  His  fold, 
If  torn  or  bruised  I,  bleeding,  lie, 

My  Shepherd  grieves  —  with  pitying  love 
He  yearns  to  hear  my  feeble  cry. 

Yea,  pastures  green  are  mine  for  rest, 

Aweary,  by  the  waters  still 
My  Shepherd,  watchful,  tender,  true, 

With  holy  peace  my  life  would  fill. 

Yea,  He  is  mine!     Oh,  blessed  thought! 

He  calleth  me,  e'en  me,  by  name; 
Though  I  should  stray,  He  loveth  still; 

Repentant,  I   His  love  may  claim. 


39 


"  FORGIVE" 

A  word  divine!     Upon  a  Cross 

'Twas   hallowed   evermore; 
A  word  that  surely  bringeth  peace, 

When  human  hearts  are  sore. 

Forgive!     A  simple  word  —  and  yet 

So  hard,  so  hard  to  say; 
When  one  is  grieved,  misunderstood, 

The  sorrow  clouds  our  day. 

Thou  shouldst  forgive,  "till  seven  times  " 

What  hath  the  Saviour  said  ? 
"How  oft  has  He  forgiven  thee  ?  " 

Ask  this,  O  soul,  instead. 


TO-DAY 

To-day  alone  is  thine; 

The  past  is  thine  no  more; 
What  joy  or  grief  thou  mayst  not  know 

The  morrows  hold  in  store. 

To-day  is  thine  to  serve; 

Christ's  vineyard  ready  stands 
Wherein  thou  mayst  in  every  hour 

Obey  His  least  commands. 

To-day  the  strength  is  given; 

Sought,  'twill  sufficient  be; 
For  past  regret,  for  griefs  to  come, 

'Twas  never  promised  thee. 


40 


To-day  is  thine  for  praise; 

To-day  is  thine  to  pray; 
God  grant  well  spent  the  moments  be 

Of  His  new  gift  —  to-day. 

THE  CRUMPLED  LEAF 

So  small  was  it!  the  crumpled  leaf, 

And  yet,  —  and  yet,  — 
It  vexed  me  sore,  it  marred  my  day; 
The  hasty  words  it  made  me  say 

I  still  regret. 

So  small!  yet  was  that  little  leaf 

With  meaning  fraught; 
O'er  self  to  hold  a  tighter  rein, 
Until  I  can  the  victory  gain, 

The  lesson  taught. 

LOYAL  —  LOVING 

O  Christ!  along  the  narrow  way 
Undaunted  I  with  thee  would  go; 
Thy  w  ill  alone  thy  child  shouldst  know 

And  loyal,  loving,  thee  obey. 

O  Christ!  with  thee  for  staff  and  stay 
Thy  yoke  shall  be  a  burden  light; 
Through  cloudless  day,  in  darkest  night 

I,  loyal,  loving,  would  obey. 

O  Christ,  whose  promise  is  "alway," 
Mine  unbelief  I  bring  to  thee; 
Thy  wound  prints,  Saviour,  show  to  me 

Who,  loyal,  loving,  would  obey. 


41 


O  Christ,  when  dawns  eternal  day, 
Thy  perfect  peace  that  child  shall  know, 
Who,  through  the  darkness  here  below, 

Didst,  loyal,  loving,  still  obey. 

THE  FATHER'S  HAND 

I  long  to  hold  it  —  yet  I  grope 

Along  the  narrow  way; 
The  flesh  is  weak  —  the  spirit  fails, 

I  cannot  even  pray. 

I  long  to  see  it  —  yet  the  night 

Enfolds  my  spirit  still; 
So  frail  am  I,  how  can  I  know 

What  is  my  Father's  will. 

I  long  —  yet  all  the  while  to  me 
Outstretched  is  that  dear  hand; 

And  all  my  utter  helplessness 
His  love  doth  understand. 


I  hold  it  —  else  had  I  been  lost: 
I  see,  though  eyes  be  dim; 

Outstretched  it  is,  and  in  the  dark 
I  still  may  lean  on  Him. 

CHRISTMAS 

It  comes  again!  how  shall  I  praise 
The  tiny  Babe  in  manger  laid! 

How  keep  this  blessed  day  of  days 
Whereon  the  priceless  Gift  was  made. 


42 


Once  more  I  hear  the  angel's  song 
Of  u  Peace,  good  will  toward  men"; 

To  every  age  it  doth  belong. 
Now  echoed  far  and  near  again. 

Thy  Bethlehem,  O  heart,  must  be 
The  birth  of  new,  of  pure  desire, 

Else  Christmas  meaneth  nought  to  thee 
Who  may  not  join  the  heavenly  choir. 

The  wondrous  Star  take  still  as  guide; 

With  eye  of  faith  behold  it  shine; 
So  shall  thy  life  be  sanctified 

An  offering  meet  at  manger  shrine. 


THE  SACRAMENT  OF  SILENCE 

Its  rest  and  glad  refreshment  each  weary  soul  should 

know,  ; 

Whereby  is  gained  new  courage  when  one  would 

forward  go; 
By  waters   still  —  He   leadeth,   in   pastures   green 

we  lie, 
And  hearken  in  the  stillness  as  Jesus  passes  by. 

Apart  from  worldly  tumult,  from  trivial  care  and 

fret, 
Apart  from  sore  temptation,  which  erstwhile    have 

beset, 
The  balm  of  perfect  silence  our  restlessness  shall 

heal, 
And  peace  in  benediction  shall  o'er  the  spirit  steal. 


43 


Perchance  our  prayer  is  voiceless,  we  may  not  even 

pray, 
But  simply  wait  for  guidance,  and  lean  upon  our 

Stay; 
The  " still  small  voice"  then  whispers  to  hearts  in 

right  attune, 
And,  with   the   gentle   Saviour,  they  are   in  sweet 

commune. 

And    when  the  door  must  open  to  let  the  world 

come  in, 
And  lifted  be  the  burden  of  all  its  strife  and  din, 
The    sacrament    of   silence    has    richest    blessing 

brought, 
In  newborn  strength  and  patience  will  every  deed 

be  wrought. 

EMMAUS 

Not  only  on  this  joyous  day 

But  all  my  life  with  thee, 
I'd  forward  press  to  Emmaus, 

Thy  hidden  meanings  see. 

Not  only  rise  with  thee  to-day, 

Resolved  to  conquer  sin 
But  hourly  fight  the  deadly  foes 

That  ever  wage  within. 

Not  only  now,  but  ever,  Lord, 

The  Bread  of  Life  is  mine, 
And  breaking  it,  I  see  the  Christ 

As  Risen  Lord  divine. 


44 


Not  only  on  this  "day  of  days  " 

But  in  the  valley  dim, 
A  Risen  Lord  shall  be  my  stay 

If  I  but  lean  on  Him. 


"I  HAVE  OVERCOME  " 

Weary  art  thou  ?    Child,  I  pray  thee, 

Upward  turn  thy  gaze; 
Kept  in  charge  of  holy  angels 

Tread  the  darksome  ways; 
Tribulation  as  thy  master 

In  this  world  is  thine, 
Yet,  with  me,  thou  too  shalt  conquer 

In  a  strength  divine. 

Weary  art  thou  ?     Child,  I  ask  thee 

For  thy  love  to-day; 
Grieve  not  for  the  coming  morrow, 

I  will  be  thy  stay; 
Sorrows  meet  thee  ?  I  have  known  them; 

Seek  the  Father's  will; 
'Mid  the  shadows,  ever,  ever, 

He  is  with  thee  still. 

Weary  art  thou  ?     Child,  I  urge  thee 

Forward  still  to  go; 
Soon,  with  peace  and  joy  of  heaven 

Shall  thy  heart  o'erflow; 
Be  of  cheer,  for  I  have  conquered; 

Clasp  thy  hand  in  mine; 
So,  at  last,  the  warfare  ended 

Victory  shall  be  thine. 


45 


"LET  US  PRAY" 

In  silence  that  the  soul  can  feel 
Before  thee,  contrite,  now  we  kneel; 
The  silence  enter,  Christ!  —  abide,  — 
And  let  us  feel  thee  at  our  side 

The  while  we  say 

"Now   let  us  pray." 

Beyond  all  human  ken  thy  peace; 
Oh,  may  it  bid  all  tumult  cease, 
And  fill  the  souls  that  are  thine  own, 
The  souls  thy  love  did  once  atone, 

The  while  we  say, 

"Now  let  us  pray." 

When  comes  the  silence  naught  may  break, 
No  trustful  child  shalt  thou  forsake; 
Love  shall  illume  the  valley  dim, 
Each  parting  soul  triumphant  hymn 

And  prayer  be  praise 

Through  endless  days. 


THE  HOME  IN  BETHANY 

Around  it  memories  sacred  forevermore  shall  twine, 

Those  needs  so  purely  human,  those  graces  most 
divine; 

We  long  to  serve  with  Martha,  or  else  all  joy  com- 
plete, 

If  only  we,  with  Mary,  might  sit  at  Jesus'  feet. 


46 


O  soul,  do  thou  but  hearken!  He  passeth  by 
e'en  now; 

Anoint  with  love  and  pity  that  thorn-encircled  brow; 

He  yearneth  for  thy  friendship,  without  the  world 
is  chill. 

And  thou  canst  bid  Him  welcome,  for  He  is  knock- 
ing still. 

Thou  ever  mayst  confess  Him,  a   sneering  world 

before; 
When  others  would  revile  Him,  the  Nazarene  adore; 
Aweary,   still   He   pleadeth,   oh,   give   Him    of  thy 

best, 
And    in    thy    very    heart-depths    make    Him    the 

honored  guest. 

"ME"  OR  "THEE" 

Which  cometh  first!  thine  answer's  writ 
In  letters  clear  wouldst  thou  but  see; 

Thy  daily  life,  a  light  to  guide 

Or  dimmed  whene'er  thy  choice  is  "  me." 

Which  cometh  first!  some  lives  can  say 
In  golden  deeds  unconscious  wrought, 

That  alway  first  there  cometh  "thee  " 
And  never  time  for  selfish  thought. 

MEMORIES 

Through  them  to  live  again! 
Oh!  precious  'tis  and  sweet, 

To  thus  repeat 
The  pleasure  and  the  pain 

In  one  refrain. 


47 


Through  them  to  live  again! 
For  hopes  of  joys  to  be 

Eternally, 
With  trustful  souls  remain 

And  ease  their  pain. 


WHATSOEVER 

(^Jeremiah  I— 7) 

How  much  it  says!  this  little  word; 

'Tis  fraught  with  meaning  true; 
And  yet,  how  oft  I  pass  it  o'er 

In  all  I  say  or  do. 

The  Father  in  His  blessed  Word, 

In  giving  a  command, 
Repeats  it  as  to  me  He  speaks,  — 

Shall  I  not  understand  ? 

"On  whatsoever  errand  sent 
'Tis  thither  thou  shouldst  go; 

Or  whatsoever  I  thee  tell 
Let  others  also  know." 

In  mine  own  way  I  think  to  serve; 

Is  not  my  wisdom  nought  ? 
Whene'er  my  life  well  spent  would  be 

God's  will  must  first  be  sought. 

In  whatsoe'er  I  do,  His  praise, 

His  praise  in  all  I  say, 
And  then  —  a  peace  beyond  all  ken 

That  shall  not  pass  away. 


48 


"IN  THE  WAY  OF  RIGHTEOUSNESS  IS 
LIFE  " 

A  narrow  way,  by  trial  oft  beset, 

And  yet,  O  Lord,  'tis  one  that  I  would  choose, 
Therein  thy  blessed  footprints  I  may  see, 

There  find  a  life  I  do  but  seem  to  lose. 

A    darkened  way  ?     Nay,  somber    storm    clouds 
break 

And  Faith  thy  love  beholds  in  rifts  of  blue; 
Nor  faltering  feet  need  thy  disciple  fear, 

Thou  with  each  step  wilt  failing  strength  renew. 

A  lonely  way  ?     Ah !  such  'twill  never  be, 
So  hallowed  by  the  feet  that  pressed  it  long 

Of  saints  beloved,  whose  daily  touch  I  knew, 

Whose  bright  ensamples  still  should  make  me 
strong. 

A  way  in  which  the  blessedness  is  mine; 

Where,  even  now,  may  peace  be  won  from  strife; 
Take  courage,  soul!  remembering  always  this: 

That  "in  the  way  of  righteousness  is  life." 


THE  FACE  UPTURNED 

Look  not  within,  for  thee  'twill  lead  to  sinning; 

Sow  not  the  seed  of  "I,"  of  "  me,"  of  "mine"; 
Self-love  uproot  at  every  fresh  beginning, 

Its  clinging  tendrils  let  not  closer  twine; 

On  face  upturned  the  light  of  heaven  will  shine. 


49 


GO  BLITHELY 

Give   us   to  go   blithely   on   our  business   all  this 
day.  —  Robert  Louis  Stevenson 

Go  blithely!  for  to  serve  thy  God 

A  joy  should  ever  be; 
Rejoice!  lift  up  the  head,  —  the  heart, — 

From  sadness  be  thou  free. 

Go  blithely!     Footsore,  weary,  thou  ? 

His  footsteps  went  before; 
Nor  lagging  tread,  nor  downcast  mien, 

Thy  Saviour  can  adore. 

Go  blithely!     See!  a  Pillar  glows! 

No  night  of  darkness,  thine! 
Or  one  of  cloud  this  day  will  light 

By  radiance  divine. 

OUR  MILESTONES 

How  swiftly  they  are  passing! 

These  years  of  mortal  life; 
Each  full  to  overflowing 

Of  storm,  of  stress,  of  strife. 

Of  sorrows  soothed,  of  duties  done, 

Some  stones  may  records  be, 
Whilst  others  mark  a  road  unknown, 

With  windings  none  can  see. 

Yet  this  we  know,  and  bravely  tread, 

As  God  appoints  each  mile, 
That,  always  looking  up,  reveals 

A  Father's  tender  smile. 


5° 


IF 

If  only  I  were  stronger 
I'd  conquer  in  the  fight; 

When  one  is  weak  and  ailing 
'Tis  hard  to  do  the  right. 

If  only  I  had  riches 

The  poor  should  never  need; 

I  envy  not  the  miser 

With  all  hi    love  of  greed, 
s  & 

If  only  some  would  hearken 
When  I  wise  counsel  give, 

It  would  not  seem  so  futile 
For  others'  good  to  live. 

If  only  God  would  let  me 
In  mine  own  way  obey, 

I  could  be  His  disciple 
And  tread  the  narrow  way. 


Alas !  these  u  ifs  "  are  blotting 
A  page  that  might  be  fair; 

As  God  has  set  the  copy, 

It  should  be  writ  —  with  care. 

THE  HEART  OF  CONSECRATION 

{Phillips  Brooks) 

Wherein  the  Christian's  fullest  joy  ? 
Where  lies  the  gold  without  alloy  ? 
'Tis  hidden  in  the  heart's  deep  well, 
A  bliss  no  spoken  word  may  tell. 


51 


Where  lies  the  peace  that  God  bestows 
As  healing  balm  for  all  our  woes  ? 
The  heart-throbs,  tell  the  answer  true, 
In  calm  that  fills  us  through  and  through. 


GOOD  FRIDAY 

O  Saviour  who  for  me  this  day 
The  cruel  cross  didst  bear, 

Make  real  to  me  that  'twas  my  sin 
That  helped  to  nail  thee  there. 

Oh,  teach  me  that  the  pains  of  death 
As  man  were  truly  thine; 

So  shall  I  know,  I  too  may  die, 
Upheld  by  strength  divine. 

If  only  I  will  follow  close 
The  print  of  wounded  feet, 

See  hands  outstretched  in  love  for  me, 
Before  the  mercy  seat. 


A  PRAYER 

0  Lord,  to  thee  I  humbly  kneel, 
Sweet  peace  doth  o'er  my  spirit  steal; 

1  know  not  what  my  soul  doth  need;  — 
Thou  knowest  —  and  —  for  this  I  plead : 

That  I  of  self  may  emptied  be, 

And  e'en  my  sins  may  leave  with  thee; 

That  time  to  introspection  given, 

May,  henceforth,  speed  my  way  to  heaven. 


52 


0  Lord,  to  thee  I  yield  my  will; 
With  thoughts  of  thee  my  spirit  fill; 

1  cast  myself  upon  thy  care! 

Is  not  this.  Lord,  the  truest  prayer  ? 

DE  PROFUNDIS 

From  out  the  deep  I've  called  unto  thee; 

Hearken,  O  Lord! 
And  when  I  plead,  "Have  mercy  upon  me!  " 

Hearken,  O  Lord! 
If  thou  extreme  wilt  be  who  may  abide  ? 
Low  bend  thine  ear  whilst  I  my  griefs  confide. 

I  look  for  thee;  for  thee  doth  wait  my  soul; 

Hearken,  O  Lord! 
For  thine  atoning  love  canst  make  me  whole; 

Hearken,  my  Lord! 
Before  the  night  is  spent  or  shadows  flee, 
Ere  dawn  of  day  my  spirit  longs  for  thee. 

O  Israel!  O  Israel,  believe 

In  Christ  the  Lord; 
The  plenteous  pardon  for  thy  sins  receive, 

He  doth  accord; 
With  Him  is  mercy  to  supply  thy  need; 
When  from  the  deep  thou  callest  He  will  heed. 

TEMPTATION 

Behind  thee  cast,  as  warrior  strong, 
The  thought  that's  idle,  vexing,  wrong; 
Else  soon  'twill  be  a  mighty  throng. 


53 


"FOR  THEM  ALSO" 

Hast  thou  not  felt  the  longing  that  once  thou  couldst 

have  known 
As  Son  of  Man,  the  Saviour,  who  did    for   thee 

atone  ? 
That  with  Him  thou  hadst  trodden  those  paths  of 

Galilee, 
Hadst  felt  His   gentle   presence,   and  heard   Him 

speak  to  thee  ? 

Or,  hast  no  longing  filled  thee  in  Bethany  to  dwell; 

To  share  with  His  disciples  the  words  of  sad  fare- 
well; 

Those  tender  words  of  comfort,  the  " Peace"  that 
souls  could  fill  ? 

Such  love  and  inspiration  the  coldest  hearts  should 
thrill. 

And  then,  —  His  prayer!  too  sacred  those  wondrous 

words  had  seemed 
Had  He  the  veil  not  lifted  for  all  of  His  redeemed; 
For  me,  those  yearning  wishes  were  wafted  to  the 

throne, 
So  earnest  in  their  pleading,  —  "  'Tis  not  for  these 

alone! 

"But,   for  them   also,   Father,  who   shall   believe 

on  me; 
May  they  be  one,  my  Father,  as  I  am  one  with 

thee!  " 
And  so,  —  adown  the  ages,  in  tender  echo  rings 
The  prayer  for  me  once  offered  to  God,  the  King 

of  kings. 


54 


. 


"UNTO  ME" 

I  am  an  hungered;  yearnings  fill  my  soul; 

Hast  thou  no  crust  to  give  my  bitter  need  ? 
Under  whose  banner  didst  thou  once  enroll  ? 

'Tis  for  His  sake  I  plead. 

Athirst  am  I!  do  not  the  cup  withhold,  — 
But  give  it  me,  I  pray,  o'erflowing  still 

And  say, "  Oh !  wanderer  from  the  Shepherd's  fold, 
For  His  dear  sake,  I  will." 

Upon  thy  threshold  speak  the  kindly  word; 

A  stranger  knocks,  —  show  him  an  open  door; 
By  One  thy  tone  of  welcome  shall  be  heard; 

For  His  sake  I  implore. 

Oh!  let  the  garment  of  thy  love  enfold, 
And  by  thy  pity  all  my  suffering  share; 

For  One  has  loved  thee  with  a  love  untold: 
u  For  His  sake, "  is  my  prayer. 

In  prison!  yet,  to  me  in  mercy  come,  — 
For  by  thy  love  shall  fetters  loosened  be; 

So  shalt  thou  hear  in  tender  welcome  home, 
"Ye  did  it  unto  me." 


AN  EASTER  PRAYER 

The  while  the  world  rejoicing  blooms, 
Now  winter  storms  are  o'er, 

No  longer  tempest-tossed  my  heart 
Would  thee,  O  Christ,  adore; 


55 


Thy  resurrection  be  my  song, 

Thy  glory  fill  my  thought, 
Oh,  henceforth,  may  each  deed  of  mine 

Be  for  thine  honor  wrought. 

Oh,  grant  that  I,  the  things  above, 

Sustained  by  promised  strength, 
May  ever  seek,  rejoicing  still, 

Through  all  my  journey's  length; 
May  words  that  I  to-day  shall  sing, 

Be  those  of  heartfelt  praise, 
O  Saviour  dear,  whose  love  for  me, 

Shall  intercede  always. 

So  may  I  rise,  with  thee,  to-day, 

That  through  the  music  clear, 
As  thou  shalt  call,  the  tender  note 

My  listening  soul  shall  hear; 
May  I,  through  earth-clouds  parted  now, 

The  light  of  heaven  see, 
A  daily  song  my  life  become, 

Of  richest  melody. 


"RABBONI!" 

Rabboni,  I  to  thee  would  pray, 
And  thee,  Rabboni,  would  obey, 
My  doubts  forever  rolled  away. 

Oh,  may  " Rabboni!"  incense  sweet, 
Ascend  unto  the  mercy-seat, 
As,  daily,  I  thy  love  entreat. 


56 


"Rabboni!"  I,  adoring,  call, 
And  at  thy  feet  I  prostrate  fall; 
"Rabboni!"    "Christ!  "mine"  All-in-AU!" 


"PEACE  " 

Loving  Shepherd,  when  I  stray 

Far  from  thee  across  the  wold, 
Show  to  stumbling  feet  the  way 

That  shall  lead  to  sheltering  fold; 
Let,  O  Christ,  thy  word- of  peace 

Bring  the  calm  that  follows  strife, 
From  sin's  fetters  grant  release, 

Seal  my  pardon,  give  me  life. 

Blest  Redeemer,  hear  my  prayer! 

By  thy  wondrous  peace  divine 
Lighten  every  load  of  care, 

Heal  each  open  wound  of  mine; 
Not  as  this  world  dost  thou  give, 

For  thy  priceless  boon  to  me 
Shall  be  mine  the  while  I  live, 

And  —  for  all  eternity. 

Jesus,  Saviour,  when  I  near, 

With  each  feeble,  fluttering  breath, 
That  lone  valley  dim  and  drear 

Which  to  earthly  sight  is  death; 
Then,  it  faint,  with  closing  ear, 

Ere  my  spiritwings  its  flight, 
"Peace  be  unto  you!  "     I  hear,  — 

All  my  darkness  shall  be  light. 


57 


ANOTHER  EASTER 

Now  another  Easter 

Dawns  o'er  all  the  world, 
Every  Christian  banner 

Is  anew  unfurled; 
For  the  grave  is  empty, 

Death  has  lost  its  sting, 
To  a  Risen  Saviour 

Loyal  hearts  may  sing. 

Yea,  another  Easter 

Brings  its  message  dear 
From  the  shining  angels: 

"Lo!     Heisnothere!" 
"  Where,  O  Grave,  thy  victory  ? 

Where,  O  Death,  thy  sting  ? 
Christ  the  Lord  is  risen!  " 

Hearts,  rejoicing,  sing. 

And,  —  another  Easter 
Does  sweet  peace  impart, 

By  its  words  of  comfort 
To  the  mourner's  heart; 

"  Christ  has  won  the  victory; 
Death  has  lost  its  sting;  " 

Both  in  earth  and  heaven, 
All  the  faithful  sing. 


58 


SWEET  COUNSEL 

Sweet  counsel!     Oh,  'tis  blessing  rare, 
A  tender  answer  to  their  prayer, 
When  fainting  hearts  affection  crave, 
A  love  that  from  themselves  shall  save. 

For  counsel  sweet  brings  high  endeavor, 
A  courage  that  is  daunted  never; 
As,  hand  in  hand,  we  forward  press, 
The  path  is  smoothed  by  tenderness. 

Sweet  counsel !     As  we  talk  of  Him 
Together,  eyes  with  tears  are  dim; 
On  earth,  in  Bethany's  repose, 
He  sought  relief  from  bitter  foes. 

And  when  sweet  counsel  seems  to  end 
In  anguished  partings  from  a  friend, 
A  smile  we  yet  may  bravely  wTear, 
We  still  His  love  together  share. 


A  LIVING  CHRIST 

{From    "The    Life    of   The    Master"     by    John 
Watson,  D.D.) 

A  living  Christ!  not  far  away,  but  near; 
To  Emmaus,  with  Him,  we  journey  here; 
The  hidden  mysteries  He  doth  open  still, 
Himself  reveal  to  all  who  do  His  will. 


59 


A  Christ  who  suffers  with  each  Christian  soul, 
Who  bids  us  all  press  onward  to  the  goal; 
Who  welcomes  Magdalene,  nor  ever  spurns 
The  vilest  sinner  who  repentant  turns. 

The  hands  and  feet  once  marred  by  cruel  nail 
He  still  doth  show  when  darkest  doubts  assail; 
He  turns  to  look  when  Peters  still  deny, 
And  sorrows  when  He  meets  a  traitor's  eye. 

A  living  Christ  who  still  Himself  doth  give; 
By  faith  in  whom  we  each  of  us  may  live; 
To  whom  "Rabboni  "  some,  adoring,  cry, 
Whilst  others  shout  the  cruel  " Crucify!  " 


KEEPING  STEP 

They  keep  step  to  the  same  music. 

— Edmund  H.  Sears 

A  thought  to  keep  us  faithful,  to  make  us  brave  and 

strong, 
That  to  a  countless  army  we  each  of  us  belong; 
The  clarion  is  calling  o'er  all  the  land  and  sea, 
W7hilst,  keeping  step,  we're  marching  —  before  us 

victory. 

A  thought  to  give  us  patience,  to  make  us  joyous 

too, 
Those  witnesses  around  us,  intent  on  all  we  do; 
With  martial  music  falling  upon  each  willing  ear. 
They,  keeping  step,  are  marching,  with  us  who 

struggle  here. 


60 


A  thought  to  soothe  in  sorrow,  each  drooping  head 

to  raise, 
The  Church  above  doth  join  us  in  every  deed  of 

praise; 
That  earthly  music  swelling  is  echoed  far  above, 
And,    keeping    step,    we    alway    may    share    the 

Saviour's  love. 

A  thought  our  faith  to  strengthen,  in  that  dread 

valley  dim, 
Of  each  who  went  before  us  as  conqueror  through 

Him; 
The  battle  cry  falls  faintly  upon  the  dying  ear, 
Yet,  keeping  step,  we'll  conquer,  for  victory  is  near. 

OLD-FASHIONED  RELIGION 

We've  forgotten,  in  the  bustle  of  these  modern  times 

we  know, 
The  tender,  true  religion  of  the  peaceful  long  ago; 
A  dim  and  shadowy  picture  that  memory  scarce 

can  see, 
The  grandmother  so  saintly,  the  Good  Book  on  her 

knee. 

We've  forgotten  baby  voices  as  they  lisped  the  little 

prayer; 
We've  forgotten   mother's   teachings  (left   now    in 

nurse's  care); 
All    the    troubled    child-confessions    that    mothers 

used  to  hear, 
And  ''father"  is  a  " governor"  now,  not  one  they 

must  revere. 


61 


We've  forgotten  all  the  blessings  of  the  times  we 

daily  knelt 
For   the   hallowed,    sweet   home-worship   that    so 

earnestly  we  felt; 
When  " father"  read    the  chapter    and  "mother" 

raised  the  hymn; 
Oh!  as  I  now  recall  it  my  eyes  with  tears  grow  dim. 

WVve  forgotten  all  those  Sundays  which  so  happily 

were  spent, 
When  " going  to  church"  was  something  that  life 

a  beauty  lent; 
When  hymns  were  sung  with  fervor  to  tunes  we 

each  had  learned, 
And  we  filled  the  mission-boxes  with  the  pennies  we 

had  earned. 

We've   forgotten!     Ah,   remembrance  grows   faint 

and  fainter  yet, 
And  the  days  that   speed  us  onward  we  shall  more 

and  more  regret, 
If  we  strive  not  to  remember  that  blessed  long  ago, 
When  Jesus  Christ,  the  lowly,  a  perfect  life    did 

show. 

IMPATIENCE 

Check  the  hasty  answer; 

Smooth  the  wrinkling  brow; 
By  and  by,  repentant, 

Thou  wilt  grieve  for  now. 

Check  the  thought  that  frets  thee; 

In  a  little  while 
Thou  thyself  wilt  conquer, 

Winning  with  a  smile. 


62 


A  LITTLE  BIRD 

A  little  bird  of  varied  hue 

One  day  within  my  casement  flew; 

Its  carol  was  now  grave,  now  gay,  — 

But  ofttime  harsh,  I  grieve  to  say. 
Unheeding  aught  of  right  or  wrong, 
I,  breathless,  harkened  to  its  song, 

And  gathered  crumbs  and  bade  it  stay, 

So  much  I  revelled  in  its  lay! 

And  yet  it  chanced  this  little  bird 

Some  unkind  thoughts  within  me  stirred; 
Its  sorry  song  I'd  voice  again, 
I  cared  not  how,  nor  cared  I  when! 

All  that  it  warbled  grew  and  grew, 

Discordant  with  its  tale  of  rue; 

Until,  when  dusk  was  shutting  down, 
I  watched  it  fly  away  to  town. 

A  little  bird !     If  it  should  fly 

Into  thy  home  nest,  by  and  by, 
I  do  entreat  thee  have  a  care,  — 
Of  all  its  songs  shouldst  thou  beware! 

Be  sure  when  it  again  has  flown 

That  thou  thine  idle  words  atone; 

Its  name,  perchance,  thou  canst  divine, 
Else,  vainly  writ  this  song  of  mine. 

AND  YET 

A  little  cross,  —  and  yet, 
Through  shadowed  days, 

On  tired  shoulders  laid 
Too  much  it  weighs. 


63 


A  tiny  thorn  —  and  yet, 

So  deep  its  wound 
There  seems  no  healing  balm 

Can  e'er  be  found. 

A  hasty  word  —  and  yet 
A  sword-thrust  keen; 

What  joy,  unspoken  still, 
There  might  have  been. 

A  tender  touch  —  and  yet 

Possessing  power 
A  heavy  cross  to  ease 

In  darkest  hour. 

A  winning  smile  —  and  yet 
With  sunshine  fraught; 

One  may  not  know  how  great 
The  charm  it  wrought. 

A  gentle  word  —  and  yet 

'Twere  hard  to  say 
How  oft  its  echo  cheers 

A  saddened  day. 


EVENING 

While  the  stars  are  vigil  keeping, 

Be  thou  sleeping 
Safe  beneath  a  sheltering  wing; 
Trust  in  One  who  slumbereth  never, 

Guardeth  ever, 
Those  who  to  His  mercy  cling. 


64 


By  still  waters  now  He  leadeth 

And  thee  feedeth, 
Wear)' soul,  with  manna  blest; 
He  may  send  thee  on  the  morrow 

Joy  or  sorrow,  — 
Take  to-night  His  gift  of  rest. 

Fear  not  thou  the  stormy  billow 

When  thy  pillow 
Is  the  loved  disciple's  own; 
Gain  thou  strength  that,  with  thy  waking 

Sin  forsaking, 
Thou  mayst  serve  thy  Lord  alone. 

When  at  length  there  comes  the  dawning 

Of  that  morning 
Which  no  shadowy  eve  can  know, 
From  God's  presence  then,  nor  ever, 

Naught  shall  sever 
Faithful  hearts  that  joy  o'erflow. 


"NON  NOBIS  SOLIS" 

(Not  for  ourselves   alone) 

Three  simple  words !  yet  full  of  meaning  true, 
Whene'er  we  long  for  loving  work  to  do; 
The  Golden  Rule  with  all  our  might  to  heed, 
And  sympathize  in  every  brother's  need. 

Three  simple  wTords !  yet  if  by  them  we  live, 
What  may  we  not,  perchance  unconscious,  give! 
How  full  of  sunshine  darkened  homes  may  be, 
How  often  sad,  imprisoned  souls  set  free! 


6s 


Three  simple  words!  Lord,  give  us  daily  strength, 
That,hour  by  hour,  throughout  our  journey's  length, 
Their  lesson  still  may  patiently  be  learned, 
Until  "  Well  done,"  thy  blest  reward,  is  earned. 

"REJOICE  EVERMORE  " 

(i   Thess.   v.  16) 

O  struggling  soul  so  faltering, 

Let  all  thy  murmurs  cease; 
Look  up  and  smile,  let  hope  beguile 

Till  restlessness  be  peace; 
For  He  thou  servest  loveth 

With  an  almighty  love; 
Thine  every  prayer  invokes  the  care 

Unfailing  trust  shall  prove. 

O  sorrowing  soul,  with  steadfast  gaze, 

The  bow  of  promise  see; 
When  love  shines  through  the  rifts  of  blue 

All  clouds  and  shadows  flee; 
The  Christ  who  wept  with  Mary 

Each  human  grief  can  feel; 
By  healing  balm  He  giveth  calm, 

And  doth  His  love  reveal. 

O  martyr  soul,  who  for  His  name 

Worthy  to  suffer  art, 
Now  leap  for  joy,  naught  can  destroy 

The  peace  within  thy  heart; 
Thou  sharest  with  thy  Saviour 

The  cruel  crown  of  thorn; 
Gethsemane  and  Calvary 

He  for  thy  sake  hath  borne. 


66 


The  valley  of  the  shadow  reached, 

Alone  thou  needst  not  be; 
Rejoice,  O  soul!  so  near  the  goal, 

For  Christ  is  still  with  thee; 
Thou  soon,  with  all  the  angels, 

Shalt  alleluias  sing, 
And  with  one  voice  fore'er  rejoice 

In  Him,  thy  Lord  and  King. 


"COME  YE  APART" 

Come  ye  apart!  in  love  I  plead, 

E'en  for  a  little  while; 
Forget  those  fleeting,  empty  joys 

That  oft  your  souls  beguile. 

Come  ye  apart!  for  pardon  pray. 

Whilst  listening  ear  I  bend; 
If  ye  but  struggle  for  the  right 

Mine  arm  shall  e'er  defend. 

Come  ye  apart!     My  praise  to  sing 
Within  my  courts  to  dwell; 

As  solemn  sweet  the  anthem  rolls 
'Twill  joy  of  heaven  foretell. 

Come  ye  apart!  in  stillness  rest; 

In  silence  lowly  kneel; 
'Tis  ever  to  the  listening  heart 

That  I,  myself,  reveal. 


67 


SELF-SURRENDER 

It  is  so  hard,  at  once,  to  yield, 

And  with  a  smiling  grace; 
For  self  to  choose  the  lower  room 

In  lieu  of  higher  place. 

It  is  so  hard  to  yield  the  will; 

The  gracious  word  to  say; 
When,  often,  a  clear  judgment  tells 

Ours  is  the  better  way. 

It  is  so  hard  not  to  explain 

The  word  misunderstood; 
To  claim  the  praise,  the  blame  to  lose, 

Who  would  not  if  he  could  ? 

'Tis  hard,  yet  the  disciple  will 

Surrender  self  each  day, 
If  only  he  will  pause  to  ask, 

"  What  was  the  Master's  way  ?  " 


THE  DAILY  ROUND 

The  daily  round  of  common  care 
Need  never  common  be, 

If  sanctified  by  earnest  prayer 
And  lived,  O  God,  for  thee. 

The  daily  round  a  field  may  be 
Where  wheat  or  tares  we  sow; 

If  fed  by  dews  from  heaven  above, 
None  but  the  wheat  need  grow. 


68 


The  daily  round,  a  battle-plain 
Where  we  may  lose  or  win; 

More  deadly  than  the  foes  without 
Are  those  who  wage  within. 

The  daily  round  a  ladder  is; 

To  mount  it  strength  is  given; 
For  those  who  neither  faint  nor  fall 

The  topmost  rung  is  heaven. 


PAST,  PRESENT,  FUTURE 

Above  me  hung  a  darkening  sky, 

Dense  clouds  obscured  the  blue; 
No  ray  of  heavenborn  light  to  cheer 

Or  dying  hopes  renew; 
Yet,  in  the  shadow,  to  thy  hand, 

I,  trustful,  still  did  cling, 
And  found  a  covert  from  the  storm  — 

Beneath  thy  sheltering  wing. 

Above  me  dawns  a  brightening  sky, 

Through  rifts  I  see  the  blue, 
A  ray  of  hope  doth  bring  me  joy, 

Borne  on  the  rainbow's  hue; 
In  cloud  or  sunshine,  Lord,  I  see 

That  Love  ordaineth  all; 
And,  clinging  still  to  strength  divine, 

I  may  not  faint  or  fall. 

And  when,  for  me,  the  cloudless  sky 

Of  Paradise  shall  shine, 
I'll  know  the  love  now  "darkly"  seen 

By  these  dim  eyes  of  mine; 


69 


Ah!  then,  my  prayer,  now  feebly  breathed, 

Shall  lose  itself  in  praise, 
Glad  echoes  through  thy  courts  resound, 

For  endless,  happy  days. 

((  T    >> 

A  veil  of  mist  by  which  the  sight 

Doth  lose  its  clearer  rays; 
A  restless  thought  that  mars  content, 

And  dims  the  brightest  days; 
What  is  the  cloud  in  azure  sky  ? 
It  is  that  little  vexing  "  I.  " 

So  dearly  loved,  so  petted,  spoiled, 

Through  many  a  listless  day, 
When,  but  for  it,  a  busy  life 

Could  shadows  chase  away; 
The  tangled  thread  that  goes  awry 
Is  but  that  little  selfish  "I.  " 

Ah!  more  than  that!  thine  image,  Lord, 

Is  " darkly"  seen  by  me, 
Until  thy  love  my  heart  shall  fill, 

And  self  be  lost  in  thee; 
By  strength  divine,  when  thou  art  nigh, 
Toward  heavenly  things  my  thoughts  shall  fly. 

MISSIONARY   HYMN 

The  fields  are  ripe  for  harvest 

But  laborers  are  few; 
We  may  not  stand  as  idlers 

While  God  hath  work  to  do. 


70 


Where  have  we  gleaned  to-day,  Lord, 
What  have  we  done  for  Thee, 

Who  wast  for  our  salvation 

Nailed  to  the  shameful  tree  ? 

The  fields  are  ripe  for  harvest! 

O  Lord!  our  faith  renew, 
And  buckle  on  the  armor 

Of  soldiers,  steadfast,  true; 
May  we  be  nothing  daunted, 

But  "go  forth"  in  thy  name, 
The  gospel  of  salvation 

To  thy  lost  sheep  proclaim. 

The  fields  are  ripe  for  harvest! 

May  we  ne'er  go  astray, 
But  guide  the  blind  and  fallen 

Into  "  the  narrow  way" ; 
So,  in  the  last  great  Harvest, 

Full-ripened  sheaves  we'll  bring, 
That  we  may  fill  the  garner 

Of  Christ,  our  Lord  and  King. 


SORROW-TAUGHT 

I  never  knew  the  height  and  depth 

Of  my  dear  Father's  love 
Until,  through  suffering,  I  learned 

His  tenderness  to  prove; 
Through  rifts  in  darkest  clouds  I  see 

Light  coming  from  above. 


As  sunrise  gilds  each  mountain  top, 
Faith  lights  that  "  narrow  way," 

The  path  my  weary  feet  must  climb 
To  reach  the  perfect  day; 

And,  sorrow-taught,  I  lean  on  One 
Whose  will  I  must  obey. 

The  peace  beyond  all  knowledge  now 

Shall  my  sweet  portion  be, 
By  strength  divine  my  cross  I  lift, 

While  love  sustaineth  me; 
In  His  good  time  I'll  lay  it  down 

For  all  eternity. 


TRANSIT  UMBRA  — LUX  PARMANET 

(The  inscription  on  a  sun  dial*) 

The  shadow  of  mine  unbelief!     Oh,  let  it  pass  away 
Till  all  the  things  eternal  I  view  as  cloudless  day; 
Mine  art  thou,  Sun  of  Righteousness,  the  while  I 

struggle  here, 
A  light  that  shineth  ever  though  darkness  seemeth 

near. 

The  shadow  of  my  suffering!     May  it  too   pass 

away; 
Give  me  the  peace  that  cometh  when  I  thy  will  obey; 

*The  sun  dial,  bearing  the  inscription  which  sug- 
gested these  lines,  was  given  "In  Memoriam,,,  and 
stands  upon  the  sight  of  the  Cathedral  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


72 


For  pain  is  hallowed  ever  since  thou  hast  suffering 

known, 
A  light  shines  on  the  pathway  I  need  not  tread 

alone. 

The  shadow  of  my  sorrowing  shall  also  pass  away; 
Whene'er  I  seek  for  comfort  thou  wilt  not  say  m3 

nay, 
In  holy  radiance  gleaming  Gethsemane  I  see, 
And,  though  my  cup  o'erflow'eth,  I  drink  it,  Christ, 
for  thee. 

The  shadows  of  this  fitful  life  at  length  shall  flee 
away, 

Then  I  shall  see  the  dawning  of  an  eternal  day; 

Oh,  Lamb  of  God,  the  vision  give,  to  light  my  dark- 
ness here, 

Of  jasper-stone  most  precious,  that  shines  as  crystal, 
clear. 

O  LORD  OF  EASTER 

O  Lord  of  Easter,  I  would  haste 

To  keep  this  festal  day; 
No  longer  barred  the  rock-hewn  tomb, 

The  stone  is  rolled  away. 

O  Lord  of  Easter,  I  to-day 

Would  journey  at  thy  side; 
With  eyes  no  longer  holden  see 

My  Master  glorified. 

O  Lord  of  Easter,  I  would  share, 
Till  earthly  storms  shall  cease, 

The  farewell  blessing  thou  didst  give, 
The  balm  of  heavenly  peace. 


73 


O  Lord  of  Easter,  I,  to  thee, 

Would  unbelief  confide; 
With  thy  disciple  I  would  feel 

Thy  wounded  hands  and  side. 

O  Lord  of  Easter,  I  would  strive 

To  keep  this  festal  day, 
All  dread  and  darkening  doubt,  by  faith, 

Forever  rolled  away. 


THE  UPLANDS 

In  the  valley  shadows  gather, 
Mists  the  light  of  heaven  obscure, 

On  the  uplands  lies  the  sunshine  — 
There  the  air  is  keen  and  pure. 

In  the  valley  of  our  doubtings 
Mists  of  tears  shall  dim  the  eye; 

Climb  we  bravely  to  the  uplands, 
There  to  view  a  cloudless  sky. 

Let  us  leave  the  vale  behind  us, 
Cease  to  dread  the  steep  ascent; 

Holy  feet  have  left  their  imprint, 
Follow  we  the  way  they  went; 

Till  we,  too,  reach  Pisgah's  summit, 
Cling  we  to  the  Guiding  Hand, 

F~r,  the  golden,  glorious  uplands 
Are  to  us  a  Promised  Land. 


74 


RESURRECTION 

Easter  morn  in  radiant  glory 

Dawneth  o'er  the  earth  again! 
Bursting  blossoms  tell,  thy  story 
O'er  and  o'er  in  glad  refrain; 
From  thy  prison 
Hast  thou  risen, 
Resurrection  art  thou  singing, 
Praise  to  thy  Creator  bringing. 

Lord  of  Easter!  let  thy  glory 

Ease  our  sorrowing  hearts  of  pain; 
O'er  and  o'er  the  wondrous  story 
May  we  sing  in  glad  refrain; 
Christ  is  risen 
From  Death's  prison, 
Light  from  darkness  Faith  is  bringing; 
Joy  and  Hope  are  now  upspringing. 


I  NEVER  KNEW 

I  never  knew,  before,  the  world 

So  beautiful  could  be 
As  I  have  found  it  since  I  learned 

All  care  to  cast  on  thee; 
The  scales  have  fallen  from  mine  eyes, 

And  now  the  light  I  see. 

I  never  knew  how  very  dear 

My  fellowmen  could  be, 
Until  I  learned  to  help  them  with 

A  ready  sympathy; 
Their  inner  lives  have  made  me  know 

A  broader  charity. 


75 


I  never  knew  how  little  things 
As  greater  ones  could  be, 

When  sanctified  by  love  for  One 
Who  doth  each  effort  see; 

But  now,  a  daily  round  of  care 
May  win  a  victory. 

I  never  knew;  and  still,  dear  Lord, 
As  through  a  glass  I  see, 

And  perfect  light  can  only  come 
When  I  shall  dwell  with  thee; 

When  in  thy  likeness  I  awake, 
For  all  eternity. 


RAINBOW  TINTS 

Oh,  think  a  happy  thought, 
Thy  blessings  number  o'er; 

The  grateful  heart  so  fraught 
Will  be,  for  thee,  one  more. 

Oh,  smile  a  sunny  smile, 

'Twill  chase  dark  clouds  away; 

'Twill  shorten  every  mile 
Thou  treadest  day  by  day. 

Oh,  speak  in  cheery  tone, 
For  echoed  is  each  word; 

Not  by  thyself  alone 
Its  joyousness  is  heard. 


76 


The  rainbow  arch  above 
Hope's  lifted  eye  may  see; 

The  promise  of  God's  love, 
Now  and  eternally. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ARMS 

Underneath  my  weakness,  underneath  my  care, 
Underneath  the  longing  of  each  wordless  prayer; 
Holding  and  upholding,  with  a  love  untold, 
Thus  those  Arms  Eternal  all  my  life  enfold. 

Underneath  the  sorrow  that  for  sin  I  feel, 
Underneath  the  anguish  they,  as  balm,  can  heal, 
Holding  and  upholding,  when  I'm  sore  oppressed, 
In  those  Arms  Eternal  may  I  peaceful  rest. 

Underneath  the  doubtings  that  my  faith  assail, 
Underneath  the  trembling,  if,  at  death,  I  quail, 
Holding  and  upholding,  they  my  soul  shall  keep; 
In  those  Arms  Eternal  may  I  "fall  asleep." 

MY  MOTHER  DEAR 

Couldst  thou  but  know  her  counsel  wise, 
So  often  sought,  from  near,  from  far, 

The  kindling  of  those  speaking  eye's, 
That  brightly  shine  as  guiding  star; 

Couldst  thou  once  clasp  her  hand  in  thine, 
And  feel  the  charm  unwritten  here, 

Then,  only  then,  couldst  thou  portray 
My  mother  dear. 


77 


Couldst  thou  once  hear  the  earnest  tone 
In  which  she  speaks  a  firm  command, 

(A  Medes'  and  Persians'  law  alone, 
'Tis  thus  her  word  I  understand); 

And  yet,  so  just  is  she,  and  true, 

There  is  no  room  for  thought  of  fear, 

Nor,  can  I  swerve  with  her  for  guide, 
My  mother  dear. 

Couldst  thou  but  love  her  as  I've  loved, 
A  love  my  other  loves  beyond, 

Her  depths  of  tenderness  had  proved 
How  firmly  knit  the  precious  bond; 

My  sunshine  is  her  ready  smile, 
Her  presence  always  I  revere, 

Away,  my  sky  is  overcast, 
My  mother  dear. 


The  milestones  flit!     Is  growing  old 
The  passing  of  the  years  away  ? 

The  flower  to  me  doth  still  unfold 
More  perfect  beauty  day  by  day; 

Of  self,  her  own,  hath  she  no  thought, 
'Tis  ever  how  to  others  cheer, 

And  thus  her  youth  eternal  blooms, 
My  mother  dear. 

THE  CROSS  BEFORE 

Lord,  I  kneel  thy  cross  before, 
Pardon  for  my  sins  implore, 
Strength  to  serve  thee  evermore. 


78 


Lord,  before  thy  cross  I  kneel; 
In  my  forehead  set  thy  seal; 
To  my  soul  thyself  reveal. 

May  I  bravely  bear  each  loss. 
Deem  all  earthly  joys  but  dross, 
When  I  kneel  before  thy  cross. 


A  THANKSGIVING 

I  thank  thee  for  my  life,  dear  Lord, 

For  all  the  earthly  blessings  given, 
Beyond  all  else  for  treasures  stored 
From  moth  and  rust  fore'er  in  heaven; 
My  heart  a  melody  doth  sing, 
And  o'er  it  reigns  my  Saviour  King, 
To  whose  dear  cross,  I,  trustful,  cling. 

O  Lord,  again  thy  name  I  praise, 

That  thou  didst  leave  thy  gift  of  peace 

My  saddened  soul  in  darkened  days 

It  doth  from  doubt  and  fear  release; 

I  thank  thee  for  the  strength  divine, 

By  which  my  hand  I  clasp  in  thine, 

And  know,  for  aye,  thy  love  is  mine. 

THE  BURDEN  OF  A  SIGH 

A  hasty  thought,  O  Lord,  forgive. 
Sweet  patience  grant  the  while  I  live; 
A  hasty  word  would  I  repress, 
The  Spirit's  fruit  is  gentleness; 
To  leave  undone  the  hasty  deed, 
Vouchsafe  the  strength  in  time  of  need. 


79 


"EPHPHATHA" 

To  my  heart  those  blessed  words, 

Lord,  I  pray  that  thou  shouldst  speak, 

That  thy  kingdom  evermore 
I  may  first  and  alway  seek. 

To  my  mind,  again,  dear  Lord, 

Speak  those  wondrous  words,  I  pray; 

Give  me  grace  to  understand, 
Wisdom  ere  to  guide  my  way. 

To  my  soul  those  loving  words 
Rapture  evermore  shall  bring; 

All  my  life  and  being  thine! 

Enter  thou,  my  God!  my  King! 

At  the  threshold  speak  them,  Lord, 
Fling  the  heavenly  portals  wide; 

Heart  and  mind,  my  soul,  my  all, 
Shall  with  thee  be  glorified. 

SERVICE 

I  need  not  wait  some  mighty  deed 
In  praise  of  God,  for  men,  to  do, 

For  here,  to-day,  there  is  enough 
By  which  to  prove  my  love  is  true. 

I  need  not  search  the  way  to  find 
That  to  self-sacrifice  doth  lead, 

Each  thought  of  daily  life  may  be 
For  others  who  my  help  shall  need. 


80 


I  need  not  sink,  nor  need  I  fail, 

Though  weary  oft  be  heart  and  brain; 

It  is  for  Christ  my  strength  is  spent. 
His  "inasmuch"  makes  brave  again. 

I  need  alone  to  know  that  I, 
A  servant,  as  my  Lord  may  be; 

As  was  His  life,  can  also  mine 
Be  one  of  blessed  ministry. 

FORWARD  GO 

Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel  that  they  go 
forward.  —  Ex.  xiv.  15 

The  promised  land  to  every  soul 

Far  in  the  distance  gleams; 
Go  forward,  then,  nor  halting  wait, 

Dream  thou  no  idle  dreams. 

While  yet  'tis  day,  still  forward  go, 
Keep  thou  thine  armor  bright; 

Whose  time  is  spent  in  vain  regret 
Shall  never  win  the  fight. 

PRAYER  —  PRAISE 

A  trustful  prayer  will  lighten  care 

For  every  tired  heart; 
And  though  the  burden  still  may  press, 

New  strength  will  faith  impart; 
Through  busy  hours  is  echoed  still 

The  soft  u  Amen  "  we  say; 
G^d's  love  is  near,  dispelling  fear, 
Alway,  alway. 


81 


J 


A  song  of  praise  will  brighten  days 

That  else  were  sad  and  drear; 
The  minor  chord  its  joy  can  still, 

And  other  souls  'twill  cheer; 
For  weary  pilgrims,  sore  oppressed, 

Its  glad  refrain  may  sing, 
"Emmanuel,  Emmanuel, 
Our  King,  our  King!  " 

BURDEN  BEARING 
Bear  ye  one  another  s  burdens.  —  Gal.  vi.  2 

A  cheery  tone,  a  smile,  a  handclasp  close  — 
What  little  ways  to  give  another  cheer! 

Yet,  were  it  not  for  such  dear  things  as  these, 

How  dark  this  world  would  be,  each  day  how 
drear! 

THE  SOUL'S  STATURE 

It  is  not  what  one  does,  but  what  one  tries  to  do, 
that  makes  the  soul  strong  and  fit  for  a  noble  career. 

—  E.  P.  Tenney 

As  clay  within  the  potter's  hand 
Is  fashioned  at  his  command, 
So,  if  to  God  our  wills  we  yield, 
And  trust  His  purpose  unrevealed, 
Unconscious  we  in  stature  grow, 
Through  golden  days,  in  times  of  woe; 
'Tis  not  alone  by  deeds  we  do, 
Our  souls  become  both  strong  and  true; 
The  striving  e'er  to  perfect  be, 
Doth  fit  us  for  eternity. 


82 


ENFOLDED 

God's   "hitherto"    has   "henceforth"  wrapped  up 
in  it.  —  Alex  Maclaren,  D.D. 

Yea,  hitherto,  while  flowers  bloomed 

And  sunbeams  danced  along  the  way, 
Or  else,  when  storm-clouds  hid  the  blue, 

As  sorrow  did  her  scepter  sway; 
The  while  the  Father's  hand  was  clasped, 

Or,  groping,  thou  hast  held  it  still, 
So,  hitherto,  hast  thou  been  led 

His  love  to  feel,  to  do  His  will. 

Henceforth!     O  blessed  thought!  until 

The  morning  breaks,  the  shadows  flee, 
No  joy  thou  mayst  not  sanctify, 

No  grief  too  great  shall  come  to  thee; 
God's  "  hitherto  "  henceforth  enfolds  — 

Renew  thy  faith,  O  timid  soul! 
Henceforth  a  crown  awaiteth  thee, 

Press  onward,  bravely,  to  the  goal. 


PRAY 

Lord,  I  would  unconscious  pray, 
Keeping  near  thee  day  by  day; 
Noise  and  tumult,  sin  and  strife, 
Vexing  things  of  common  life, 
Through  them  all,  O  Saviour  mine, 
I  would  trust  the  strength  divine. 


83 


Lord,  I  would  unswerving  pray, 
While  glad  sunshine  gilds  my  way, 
Or,  when  fiercest  is  the  fight, 
And  my  day  is  changed  to  night; 
Victory  still,  O  Saviour  mine, 
I  would  win  by  strength  divine. 

Thou  who  knowst  the  inmost  hearf 
Best  of  blessings  wilt  impart; 
Lord,  unfailing  as  thy  care, 
Never  ceasing  be  my  prayer, 
'Mid  those  joys  beyond  all  ken 
Echoed  be  the  last  "Amen." 


AT  CLOSE  OF  DAY 

(Suggested  by  words  of  Charles  Kingsley) 

To  any  lone  or  sorrowing  soul, 

Have  I,  of  sunshine,  brought  a  ray  ? 

Or  have  I  been  on  self  intent  ? 
I  ask  this,  Lord,  at  close  of  day. 

Have  I,  by  deed  or  precept,  brought 
To  questioning  soul  some  clearer  ray  ? 

Or,  have  I  labored,  self-absorbed  ? 
This,  Lord,  I  ask,  at  close  of  day. 

The  world  before  has  my  light  shone 
With  steady,  clear,  and  helpful  ray  ? 

If  in  thy  footsteps  I  have  trod, 
How  sweet  my  rest  at  close  of  day  !v 


84 


THE    SOFT   ANSWER 

Oh,  say  it  o'er  and  o'er,  with  gentle  cadence,  too, 
The  answer  that  hath  magic,  wrong  feeling  to  undo; 
And  say  it  ever  bravely,  no  matter  what  the  cost; 
Pour  oil  upon  those  waters,  that  else  were  tempest 
tossed. 

Oh, say  it  o'erand  o'er,  and  think  of  Christ  the  while; 
Though  burning  tears  would  blind  thee,  yet  wear  a 

sunny  smile, 
Though  hidden  'neath  thy  courage,  there  throbs  a 

sinking  heart, 
For  His  dear  sake  be  steadfast,  in  strength  He  doth 

impart. 

Oh,  say  it  o'er  and  o'er,  then  Wrath  will  turn  away, 
And  Peace  upon  thy  spirit  her  tender  touch  shall  lay; 
Oh,  say  it  o'er  and  o'er,  till  Love  supreme  shall  reign, 
For  Him  the  meek  and  lowly,  who  answered  not 
again. 


WHEN 

When  faults  distress, 
Temptations  press, 
Oh!  grant  me  in  believing, 
Although  I  know  my  nothingness, 
To  feel  that  thou  the  efforts  bless 
I  make  in  their  retrieving. 


85 


When  dark  the  day, 
When  rough  the  way, 
Grant  solace  for  that  hour; 
To  lean  on  thee,  my  staff,  my  stay, 
To,  patient,  all  thy  will  obey, 
Vouchsafe  the  grace  and  power. 

When  I  must  sleep 
The  slumber  deep 
That  knows,  on  earth,  no  waking, 
My  hand  in  thine  I'd  trustful  keep; 
Then,  show  to  thy  once  wayward  sheep, 
The  light  eternal  breaking. 


THE  HELPING  HAND 

Keep  outstretched  the  helping  hand, 
Have  the  heart  to  understand 
What  the  magic  of  a  touch; 
Heed  thy  Saviour's  "Inasmuch"; 
His  dear  hand  within  thine  own 
All  thy  weakness  shall  atone. 


THE  MUSIC  OF  CHRISTMAS 

I  hear  the  merry  voices  of  children  in  their  glee,  — 
The  jingling  of  the  sleighbells  is  melody  to  me, 
While  from  the  belfry  wafted,  in  rhythm  true  and 

sweet, 
The  chimes  the  Christmas  story  to  listening  world 

repeat. 


86 


There  is  another  music  —  the  heart  can  hear  the 

strain, 
To  souls  by  love  attuned  is  echoed  its  refrain; 
What  wonder  that  the  earth-sounds  do  faint  and 

fainter  grow, 
When  'tis  the  voice  of  Jesus,  the  waiting  ear  may 

know. 


GOD'S  GARNER 

The  treasures  thou  wouldst  garner, 

Lord,  ask  them  now  of  me, 
That  so  my  life  may  ever 

Abound  in  love  to  thee : 
Oh,  daily,  may  I  gather 

The  sheaves  of  service  true, 
And  bind  with  my  allegiance 

Whate'er  I  find  to  do. 

"  Each  day,  I  ask  thee  bravely, 

The  cross  I  send  to  bear, 
And  for  the  self-denial 

That  doth  with  others  share; 
For  helpful  words  I  hearken 

Though  weary  thou  mayst  be, 
That  slights  and  other's  doubting 

Be  meekly  borne  for  me." 

"I  ask  thee  to  be  patient, 
No  day  is  commonplace, 

For  every  homely  duty 

Thou  hast  my  promised  grace; 


87 


I  ask  thee  to  be  joyous, 

My  child  should  ne'er  repine, 

When  giving  self  completely, 
Thy  life  is  lost  in  mine." 

Lord,  bravely  will  I  gather 

These  sheaves  of  service  true, 
Through  storm  or  sunshine,  daily, 

Thou  wilt  my  strength  renew; 
Then,  though  unfilled  thy  garner, 

I've  naught  withheld  from  thee, 
And  love  shall  bind  the  treasures 

For  all  eternity. 

TAPS 

"  Put  out  the  lights !  "     Be  my  last  thought  a  prayer; 
Thy  weary  warrior  seeks  his  Captain's  care; 
The  morrow's  march  shall  his  endurance  test, 
Till  daylight  breaks,  may  he  in  safety  rest. 

When  on  closed  ear  shall  all  unheeded  fall 
The  silvery  notes  of  evening's  bugle  call, 
Oh,  may  his  head  be  pillowed  on  thy  breast, 
The  peace  be  won  —  of  everlasting  rest. 


REVEILLE 

The  bugle  sounds!  be  thine  my  waking  thought! 
For  love  of  thee  may  this  day's  deeds  be  wrought; 
I  gird  mine  armor  —  be  it  my  delight 
In  face  of  foes  to  battle  for  the  right. 


Be  this  my  prayer,  at  each  new  reveille: 
"Thy  soldier  guard  and  keep  him  true  to  thee, 
Till  smoke  of  battle  shall  be  rolled  away, 
And,  cloudless,  dawn  the  Everlasting  Day." 


A  BIT   OF    BLUE 

What  though  the  skies  seem  leaden,  the  days  too 
long  or  drear, 

What  if  the  burden  wearies,  though  falleth  oft  the 
tear  ? 

I  know  that  rifts  are  opening  and  brightness  break- 
ing through, 

That,  somewhere  in  His  heaven,  God  sets  a  bit  of 
blue. 

I  know  He  loves  me  truly,  though  sending  trials 

sore; 
That  He  will   lead   me   gently,  o'er   paths   untrod 

before; 
Though  I  may  stumble  often,  or  long  for  pastures 

new, 
In  His  good  time  I,  surely,  shall  find  that  bit  of  blue. 

It  cometh  oft  by  trusting;  I  may/iot  earthward  gaze, 
I  may  not  seek  to  fathom  the  wisdom  of  His  ways, 
But,  looking  ever  upward,  I'll  strive  His  will  to  do, 
Till,  somber   storm-clouds   parting,  I  see  my  bit 
of  blue. 


89 


STORM  AND  STRESS 

I  cling  to  thee  through  storm  and  stress, 
I  own  my  utter  nothingness; 
Upheld  by  thee  from  hour  to  hour, 
My  weakness  lost  in  thy  great  power, 
I  shall  not  faint  —  I  cannot  fail, 
Though  fiercest  foes  my  strength  assail. 

Through  storm  and  stress  I  cling  to  thee; 
I  trust  the  love  that  chastens  me; 
The  love  that  doth  renew  my  strength, 
Each  step  along  my  journey's  length; 
Within  that  powerful  hand  of  thine, 
I  lay  this  feeble  one  of  mine. 

I  cling  to  thee  through  storm  and  stress; 
Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  thy  child  to  bless; 
Oh,  day  by  day,  with  manna  feed, 
Thy  grace  sufficient  for  my  need; 
Eternal  Peace  my  harbor  be 
When  storm  and  stress  shall  cease  for  me. 

A  MORNING  PRAYER 

Journey  with  me,  blessed  Saviour, 
Through  the  day  that  dawneth  now; 

Though  the  heat  of  noonday  weary, 
Let  me  turn  not  from  the  plough. 

Over  dreary  waste  or  desert, 
If  I  climb  the  mountain  steep, 

Guide  thou  all  my  faltering  footsteps, 
I  in  thine  my  hand  would  keep. 


90 


Should  dark  clouds  above  me  gather, 
Or  if  sunshine  light  the  way, 

May  my  heart  be  constant  ever, 
Love  for  thee  its  guiding  ray. 

When  the  evening  shadows  deepen, 
Be  thou  still  my  staff,  my  stay; 

Show  to  Faith  the  radiant  dawning 
Of  an  everlasting  day. 


LITTLE  DEEDS 

Just  a  little  deed,  so  small 
Hardly  is  it  seen  at  all; 
Yet,  for  One  who  holds  us  dear, 
Feeling  thus  His  presence  near, 
Never  deed  in  vain  is  done, 
All  are  counted,  one  by  one. 

Just  a  little  deed  may  be 
Blessed  in  its  ministry, 
Give  another  needed  cheer, 
Courage  grant  to  those  who  fear; 
*'  Cups  of  water"  in  His  name, 
Better  far  than  works  of  fame. 

When  with  love  our  hearts  o'erflow, 
Little  deeds  are  seeds  we  sow, 
Bearing  fruit  abundant,  sweet, 
For  the  Master's  vineyard  meet; 
If  we  in  the  Vine  abide, 
All  we  do  is  sanctified. 


9* 


FIDUS  AD  EXTREMUM 

May  these  brave  words,  O  soldier,  thy  motto  be, 

always, 
To  spur  thee  to  thy  duty  through  uneventful  days, 
Lest  thou  forget  how  vigilant  thine  enemy  can  be, 
And  he,  thy  tarnished  armor,  shall  thus  rejoice  to 

see. 

Inscribe  them  on  thy  banner  when  thou  shalt  face 

the  foe, 
Though  fierce  the  battle  rageth,  forward,  undaunted 

go; 
Nor  sheathe  thy  sword  till  conquered  is  every  hated 

sin, 
And  thou  from  Christ  thy  Captain  shalt    fadeless 

laurels  win* 

If  at  the  last  thou  fightest  with  feeble,  flickering 

breath, 
Unswerving  in   thy  courage,  although  the   foe   be 

Death, 
When  "Taps"  in  solemn  requiem  the  bugle  sounds 

o'er  thee, 
Still  uFidus  ad  Extremum,,  thy  triumph  song  shall 

be. 


A  SWEET  SONG 

By  thinking  of  others  through  all  the  day  long, 
A  workaday  life  we  may  turn  into  song, 
Whose  rhythm  hath  power  the  pulses  to  thrill, 
With  love  to  the  Father  our  brethren  instil. 


92 


By  saying  kind  words  'tis  a  song  of  good  cheer, 
The  weary  may  list  till  he  drieth  the  tear. 
His  hope  live  anew  in  its  gladsome  refrain, 
While  a  courage  newborn  will  banish  the  pain. 

By  doing  for  others  the  melody  swells; 

The  music  of  heaven  it,  joyous,  foretells; 

For  burthens  grow  light  and  the  faith  true  and 

strong 
Whenever  one  hearkens  to  such  a  sweet  song. 


THE  HILLS 

The  hills  whose  strength,  dear  Lord,  is  Thine; 

By  solemn  silence  praises  yield; 
Unmoved  as  they,  each  Christmas  heart, 

To  whom  thy  love  hath  been  revealed. 

"The  hills  from  whence  my  help  shall  come:  " 
That  blessed  balm  to  heal  each  pain; 

In  holy  hush  the  reverent  soul 

May  softly  breathe  this  sweet  refrain. 

The  hills  the  Holy  City  guard; 

As  sentinels,  unfailing,  stand; 
Thy  love  thy  chosen  ones  doth  keep 

Within  the  hollow  of  thy  hand. 

The  hills!  the  mountain-top  for  thee 
A  temple  wast,  where,  free  from  strife, 

In  prayer  thou  didst  the  Father  seek, 
And  gathered  strength  for  daily  life. 


93 


So,  to  the  hills,  with  earnest  gaze, 

I  ever  turn  in  wordless  prayer; 
Thou  leavest  not  in  valley  dim, 

The  soul  who  trusts  thy  promised  care. 

MOSAIC 

Ah,  yes!  fit  name  this  life  to  give,  for  many-hued  it 

seems, 
As,  piece  by  piece,  the  pattern  grows,  though  we 

dream  idle  dreams; 
Of  broken  bits  I  dare  not  tell  —  those  missing,  dull, 

defaced; 
'Twere  best  to  note  the  brighter  side,  in  wondrous 

pattern  traced. 

To  human  sight,  in  like  array,  the  crowd  oft  flitteth 

Yet  Love  divine,  as  precious  gems,  some  fragments 

can  espy; 
Their  beauty,  painted  by  the  soul,  rejoiceth  with 

its  power, 
The  while,  across  our  thorny  path,  they  glow  as 

brilliant  flower. 

Perchance,  in  somber  shade,  we  see  a   brave,  yet 

rugged  soul! 
Such,  as  we  gaze,  new  strength  impart,  for  pressing 

toward  the  goal, 
The  hand  of  God  doth  fashion  some,  in  forms  no 

eye  may  see, 
"So  incomplete/'  we   say,  —  to  Him,  so  rich  in 

ministry. 


94 


These  varied  lives,  mosaic  each,  when  shall  they 

jhed  he  ? 
And  what  the  pattern  I  shall  bear  for  all  eternity  ? 
The  Master  knows!     ()  soul,  believe,  the  answer's 

writ  in  heaven; 
So  pray,  so  live,  so  die,  —  that  thou  rejoice  when 

it  is  given. 


CROSS-ROADS 

'Tis  only  for  a  moment,  a  fleeting  glimpse  have  we, 
And  then,  our  paths  divergent,  lead  other  scenes 

to  see; 
'Tis  only  for  an  instant  we  grasp  another's  hand, 
Yet  all  of  us  are  pilgrims  —  our  goal  the  Promised 

Land. 

'Tis  only  for  a  moment,  and  yet  that  time  is  fraught 

With  power  to  help  or  hinder,  as  good  or  ill  is 
wrought; 

To  point  the  narrow  pathway  that  each  of  us  should 
take, 

Or  else,  how  dare  we  think  it!  our  brother  to  for- 
sake. 

Though  only  for  a  moment,  whene'er  the  heart  be 

true. 
The  lives  we  touch  are  better  for  all  we  say  or  do; 
If  travel-stained   and  weary,  we   follow  still    the 

Guide, 
We  thus  may  cheer  and  strengthen  one  passing  by 

our  side. 


95 


PRAY 

The  daylight  breaks!     Awake  to  praise 
The  Lord  thy  God,  with  heart  and  soul, 

Nor  backward  glance, —  thy  yesterdays 
Are  gone, —  and  forward  lies  the  goal; 

Again  for  Christ  thy  banner  raise, 
As  soldier  true  thy  name  enroll. 

Fierce  noonday  heat!     Discouraged  thou  ? 

Dost  falter  ere  the  race  be  won  ? 
Before  the  throne  still  humbly  bow, 

And  pray  no  good  to  leave  undone; 
Then,  strengthened,  rise  to  conquer  now, 

For  love  of  the  eternal  Son. 

At  set  of  sun,  'mid  shadows  deep, 

In  earnest  prayer  to  Him  draw  near, 

For  He  His  chosen  ones  doth  keep, 
His  guiding  light  makes  duty  clear; 

So,  take  His  blessed  gift  of  sleep, 

For  peace  shall  soothe  thine  every  fear. 

Unceasing  pray,  so  shalt  thou  learn 

The  joy  all  other  joys  beside; 
Then  will  thy  heart  within  thee  burn, 

And  life  in  Him  be  sanctified, 
If  thou  shouldst  stray,  to  Him  return, 

In  His  great  love,  once  more,  abide. 


96 


'EVEN  CHRIST  PLEASED  NOT  HIM- 
SELF " 

O  fainting  soul!  fresh  courage  take, 
In  thought  of  thy  dear  Lord; 

Thine  every  deed  is  known  to  One, 
Who  promiseth  reward. 

When  to  this  earth  of  old  He  came, 

Emmanuel  to  be, 
What  bright  ensample  was  His  life! 

From  thought  of  self  how  free! 

Each  quiet  day  at  Nazareth, 

He  did  the  Father's  will; 
And  in  the  dark  Gethsemane, 

He  sought  to  do  it  still. 

"Not  as  I  will:— Not  as  I  will," 

The  burthen  of  thy  cry; 
Thyself  thou  must  not  seek  to  please, 
But  Christ  to  glorify. 

Then,  struggling  soul,  look  up  and  see 
Thy  Saviour's  tender  smile; 

The  day  will  break,  the  shadows  flee, 
In  just  " a  little  while." 

JUST  WHERE  I  AM 

Just  where  I  am!  Perchance  my  lot 
'Mid  briers  and  thorns  is  cast; 

Nci  beat  of  drum  to  battle  calls, 
Each  day  in  quiet  passed. 


97 


Just  where  I  am  is  ruled  by  thee; 

The  duty  of  each  hour 
Marked  out  for  me,  must  not  dismay, 

I  conquer  by  thy  power. 

Just  where  I  am,  amidst  a  round 

Of  little,  common  things, 
I  pray  that,  in  thy  strength,  I  may 

Yet  soar  on  angel  wings. 

Just  where  I  am,  by  doing  well, 

A  battlefield  may  be, 
And  daily  steps  a  ladder  prove, 

Which  leads  to  victory. 


HIS  TENDER  CARE 

As  helpless  leaf  before  the  gale, 
My  hopeless,  human  heart  so  frail! 
Oh,  what  the  power  that  shall  avail 

In  darkest  day, 
Whene'er  the  storms  of  grief  assail, 

To  light  the  way  ? 

The  sparrow  falleth  to  the  ground, 
The  Father's  love  beyond  all  bound 
Its  fate  doth  note  —  in  Him  is  found 

All  needed  strength; 
His  tender  care  shall  thee  surround, 

Thy  journey's  length. 


98 


THE  ANGEL  OF  HIS  PRESENCE 

No  light  ?     'Neath  lowering  skies,  with  feeble  step, 
I,  faltering,  tread,  while  thorns  my  path  beset; 

No  faintest  glimmer  of  a  coming  dawn, 

My  heart  shall  ease,  nor  soothe  its  vain  regret! 

Ah,  no!     Thank  God,  my  soul,  that  all  untrue 
Are  words  like  these;  that  no  such  plaintive  sigh 

My  lips  escapes;  but  that  my  steadfast  gaze 
On  One  is  fixed,  who  ever  hears  my  cry. 

If  faith  in  Him  the  "narrow  w7ay"  illume, 

Whatever  grief  or  ill  my  life  betide, 
The  Angel  of  His  presence  will  I  see; 

In  fire,  or  cloud,  a  never-failing  Guide. 

E'en  though,  at  times,  I  can  but  feebly  lift 
My  earth-dimmed  eyes,  His  glory  to  behold, 

Yet  toward  a  Promised  Land  He  leadeth  me, 
A  land  where  treasures  lie  —  a  wealth  untold. 


SELF-DENIALS 

They  seem  sometimes  to  be  so  small, 
Those  things  we  long  to  do; 

As  though  the  giving-up  were  vain; 
Yet  thus  are  lives  made  true. 

They  seem  —  ah,  yes!  to  earthly  sight, 

Yet  to  the  Father's  eye, 
No  sacrifice  the  soul  can  make, 

But  helps  to  sanctify. 


99 


The  little  touch  the  potter's  hand 
The  yielding  clay  doth  give, 

Shall  shape  the  lines  of  beauty,  till 
An  image  fair  shall  live. 

So  now,  dear  Lord,  I  yield  to  thee 
My  stubborn,  erring  will; 

Thine  image  in  my  heart  with  love 
Shall  all  my  spirit  fill. 


ONE  GIFT 

One  gift  alone  is  mine 
To  offer  or  withhold; 

Rich  blessings  all  are  thine; 
A  wondrous  store  divine, 
Which,  day  by  day,  unfold. 

One  gift  to  thee  I  bring, 

A  simple,  childlike  faith; 
Glad  praises  I  would  sing 
To  my  dear  Lord  and  King, 
And  do  whate'er  He  saith. 

One  gift,  dear  Lord,  I  pray 
Thou  wouldst  accept  from  me; 

I  am  thy  child  alway; 

Be  thou  my  guide  and  stay 
For  all  eternity. 


ioo 


HOW  SHALL  I   PRAY 

Thou  first,  thine  own  great  impotence  must  feel, 
Yet  know  there  is  a  strengthening  balm  to  heal, 
Then,  suppliant,  kneel. 

The  longing  that  thy  very  soul-depths  stirred, 
Thou  needst  not  clothe  in  all  expressive  word, 
Unsaid,  'tis  heard. 

Ask  not  to  know  the  Father's  full  intent, 
For,  though  the  answer  be  not  as  thou  meant, 
In  love  'tis  sent. 

Thy  weary  head  on  Jesus'  breast  should  lie; 
O'er  storm-tossed  waves  the  blessed  "It  is  I," 
Shall  soothe  each  sigh. 

SNOWFLAKES 

Softly  fall  the  snowflakes,  pure  and  white  they  lie, 
Through   the   glistening    tree-tcps  lccms   the   cold 

gray  sky; 
Silently  the  Father,  though  the  storm  be  drear, 
Sendeth  holy  comfort,  shadowed  hearts  to  cheer. 

Softly  fall  the  snowflakes,  filling  all  the  air, 
Forming  feathery  garlands,  each  of  foliage  fair; 
Though  our  sins  be  scarlet,  by  the  Saviour's  love, 
Robes  of  dazzling  whiteness  shall  be  ours  above. 

Softly  fall  the  snowflakes,  hiding  earth  from  view, 
Till  the  landscape  sparkles  with  a  beauty  new; 
So  the  spirit  granteth  gifts  of  love  and  joy, 
And  our  souls  are  cleansed  from  the  world's  alloy. 


IOI 


IN  THY  STRENGTH 

Strong  in  thy  strength  all  right  to  do 

Life's  battle  I  can  win; 
And,  in  thy  strength  will  put  to  flight 

Each  soul-destroying  sin. 

Strong  in  thy  strength  thy  will  to  love. 

This  restless  heart  I'll  calm, 
And,  in  thy  strength,  vain  joys  forsake 

Which  bring  no  healing  balm. 

Strong  in  thy  strength  to  live  or  die, 

I'll  trust  thee,  day  by  day, 
And,  in  thy  strength  will  be  content 

That  thou  shouldst  choose  my  way. 

Strong  in  thy  strength,  oh,  let  me  be, 

Till  victory  is  won! 
And,  in  thy  strength,  at  length  I  rise 

To  hear  thee  say,  "  Well  done!  " 


102 


